Alkyl Lactyllactates and Processes of Making the Same

ABSTRACT

Provided are alkyl lactyllactate compositions that can be prepared from (1) lactide or alternatively lactic acid, and (2) a hydroxyl containing compound such as an alcohol, preferably a fatty alcohol or an alkoxylated alcohol, with (3) an acid catalyst. Preferably, the fatty alcohol contains from about 6 to 18 carbon atoms, such as lauryl alcohol. The alkyl lactyllactates can be used as surfactants, emulsifiers, skin feel agents, film formers, thickeners, rheological modifiers, etc., for personal care and other application areas. Compositions containing at least one alkyl lactyllactate are also provided. The compositions can further contain at least one surfactant.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application SerialNo. PCT/US2007/072975 (International Publication No. WO 2008/006076A3),having an International filing date of Jul. 6, 2007. This PCTapplication claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser.No. 60/819,145, filed Jul. 6, 2006, Ser. No. 60/842,476, filed Sep. 6,2006, and Ser. No. 60/896,205, filed Mar. 21, 2007. The entirespecifications of the PCT and provisional applications referred to aboveare hereby incorporated by reference. This application is related to aco-pending application that is filed on the same date as thisapplication, and is identified by Attorney Docket No. 17730US06.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The presently described technology relates generally to alkyllactyllactate compounds such as lauryl lactyllactate, and compositionscomprising or incorporating such compounds. The presently describedtechnology also relates generally to improved processes of making thealkyl lactyllactate compounds and derivatives thereof as well ascompositions comprising or incorporating the same.

In the area of personal care, there is a desire for surfactants to bemild, salt-free and 100% active. Other desirable attributes includebeing in liquid form at room temperature, having a non-nitrogencontaining structure, an ability to formulate in cold-mix applications,and an ability to perform as good as or better than existingsurfactants.

For household, industrial and institutional cleaning products, bothsurfactants and solvents are important ingredients in these products.Desirable attributes for such products include the ability to emulsify,suspend or penetrate greasy or oily soils and suspend or disperseparticulates, in order to clean surfaces; and then prevent the soils,grease, or particulates from re-depositing on the newly cleanedsurfaces. For example, a laundry detergent product should desirablyremove dirt from clothes and then keep the dirt in solution so that itis removed with the wash water instead of re-depositing on the washedclothes.

It is also desirable to have the ability to control the foaming ofdifferent household, industrial and institutional products depending onthe desired end-use applications. For example, a liquid manual dishwashing detergent preferably has the ability to foam in the presence ofsoil that is being removed from dishware. Yet, for a laundry detergentor dish washing detergent for use in a high efficiency washing machine,low foam is desired to achieve the best cleaning and to avoid excessfoaming. Other desirable properties of such consumer products includethe ability to clarify the formulation and to improve stability. Forhard surface cleaners, it is desirable to have the ability to wetvarious surface types and couple or suspend soils to leave the surfacefree from residue in the form of streaking and/or filming.

It has been unexpectedly discovered that the alkyl lactyllactates of thepresent technology can meet one or more of the above desired attributes,among others. The alkyl lactyllactates can be incorporated into, forexample, various compositions and used as surfactants, emulsifiers, skinfeel agents, film formers, rheological modifiers, solvents, releaseagents, lubrication agents, conditioners, and dispersants, etc. Suchcompositions can be used in end-use applications including, but notlimited to, personal care, as well as household and industrial andinstitutional cleaning products. They can also be used in oil fieldapplications, gypsum foamers, paints and coatings, adhesives, or otherapplications requiring cold tolerance performance or winterization(e.g., applications requiring cold weather performance without theinclusion of additional volatile components).

U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,350,388 and 2,371,281 (Claborn) (the “Claborn patents”)generally describe that an alkyl lactyllactate can allegedly be producedby heating a mixture of a dry lactide and an anhydrous alcohol at atemperature of from 70° to 90° C. for a period of about 6 to 8 hours inthe presence of an acid catalyst and under anhydrous conditions. TheClaborn patents also generally describe alkyl lactyllactates asserted tohave properties desirable for solvents and plasticizers, and forproduction of other plasticizers.

However, the process to prepare alkyl lactyllactates as described in theClaborn patents requires a solvent to be used in the reaction mixture,which is either an excess amount of the alcohol or an inert organicliquid, such as benzene. The Claborn patents also require a reactiontemperature of above 70° C. It is desirable, however, to eliminate theuse of solvents in the reaction process for producing alkyllactyllactates and/or to have a process that can run at a lower reactiontemperature. Further, the Claborn patents do not appreciate the controland effect of chirality on the properties of the resultant alkyllactyllactate. Nor do the Claborn patents teach how to make alkyllactyllactates with different chiralities. Additionally, the Clabornpatents do not appreciate the effects of the choice of alcohol (e.g.,primary vs. secondary or tertiary; fatty alcohol vs. a lower alcohol) onthe product yield, purity of the product, and properties of the product.Further, the Claborn patents do not appreciate and disclose alkyllactyllactates that can be used as surfactants, emulsifiers, skin feelagents, film formers, thickeners, rheological modifiers, etc., forpersonal care and other application areas. Thus, it is desirable to havea process that can produce a better yield of a higher purity alkyllactyllactate product without distillation or other purification. It isalso desirable to make and use an alkyl lactyllactate with a selectedchirality to achieve or improve certain desired end-product properties.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,341 (Thompson) (the “Thompson patent”) disclosesstearyl lactyllactate and cetyl lactyllactate produced by reactingstearyl alcohol or cetyl alcohol with lactic acid (2-hydroxypropionicacid, CH₃CHOHCOOH). The stearyl lactyllactate and cetyl lactyllactate soproduced are generally described as emulsifying agents particularlysuitable as shortening agents in cake mixes and the like. The Thompsonpatent states that the reaction product is a mixture of stearyllactyllactate and stearyl lactate, which are referred to as stearyllactoyl lactate and stearyl lactate, respectively. Col. 3, lines 29-31.The Thompson patent further asserts that stearyl lactate is lesseffective than the desired stearyl lactyllactate. Col. 3, lines 56-57.The reference recommends using 2.1 moles of lactic acid per one mole ofstearyl alcohol (or cetyl alcohol), col. 1, lines 31-54, but suggeststhat the reaction of stearyl lactyllactate with an additional mole oflactic acid offered no appreciable advantages. Col. 3, lines 57-59. TheThompson patent also does not teach or suggest the use of a catalyst forthe reaction of the alcohol with lactic acid. Because it is believedthat alkyl lactyllactates are more efficient, and can provide betterperformance and stability than alkyl lactates, it is desirable to havean improved process that can produce an alkyl lactyllactate product viaa lactic acid route that contains a higher ratio of the lactyllactatecomponent over the lactate component.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the presently described technology provides an alkyllactyllactate of the following general structure:

wherein R is an alkyl group or alkoxylated alkyl group. R can be derivedfrom a hydroxyl containing compound such as an alcohol, preferably, aprimary alcohol.

Preferably, the alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology exhibit aspecific chirality, which can be, for example, L-lactyllactate,D-lactyllactate, an L,D/D,L racemic lactyllactate made from, forexample, meso-lactide, or an L,L/D,D racemic lactyllactate made from,for example, racemic lactide, or a mixture thereof. One preferredalcohol is a fatty alcohol, such as those containing from about 6 toabout 18 carbon atoms.

In accordance with some embodiments, preferably, at least one alkyllactyllactate of the present technology is an L-alkyl lactyllactatehaving the following general structure:

In accordance with some other embodiments, preferably, one or more ofthe alkyl lactyllactates is an L,D/D,L racemic lactyllactate made from ameso-lactide, or a mixture of lactyllactates made from a mixture ofL-lactide and meso-lactide.

In accordance with some embodiments, at least one alkyl lactyllactate ofthe present technology can be represented by the following generalstructure:

wherein, R contains about two to about six, alternatively about two toabout four, preferably about two to about three carbon atoms, R¹contains about one to about twenty-two, alternatively about one to abouteighteen, alternatively about six to about eighteen, alternatively abouttwelve to about fourteen, alternatively about one to about six carbonatoms (e.g., four carbon atoms), and the number of repeat units (n) canvary from about 0 to about 100. When n is 0, the alkyl group in thelactyllactate is not alkoxylated. When n is not 0, the alkyllactyllactates contain at least one alkoxylate group. For personal care,home care or other cleansing applications, n is preferably from aboutone to about twelve, alternatively from about one to about nine,alternatively from about one to about six, alternatively from about twoto about four.

Preferably, the hydroxyl containing compound used to make the alkyllactyllactate of the presently described technology contains at leastone primary hydroxyl group (OH). When the hydroxyl containing compoundcontains two or more primary hydroxyl groups (OH's), a compoundcontaining two or more lactyllactate groups can be formed. For example,when a compound containing two primary hydroxyl groups (e.g., glycerinor ethoxylated glycerin) is used as the bridging molecule, the alkyllactyllactate, in accordance with some embodiments of the presenttechnology, can be represented by the following general structure:

In accordance with some embodiments, the R group in the above formulapreferably contains from about two to about-twenty four, more preferablyfrom about two to about eight carbon atoms. For example, the R group canbe derived from glycerin or alkoxylated glycerin.

In another aspect, the presently described technology provides one ormore processes for producing an alkyl lactyllactate. At least oneprocess includes, for example, the steps of: providing at least onemixture comprising at least one lactide, at least one hydroxylcontaining compound (e.g., a fatty alcohol or an alkoxylated alcohol),and at least one acid catalyst; and reacting the lactide and thehydroxyl containing compound at room temperature or an elevatedtemperature. The lactide and the hydroxyl containing compound can beused in equivalent molar amounts. The reaction temperature can be withinthe range of from about 15° C. to about 150° C., preferably from about20° C. to about 100° C., more preferably from about 30° C. to about 70°C., and most preferably from about 40° C. to about 60° C. The acidcatalyst can be, for example, H₂SO₄, HCl, p-toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA),or a NAFION® ionomer (a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, CASNo. 31175-20-9, available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company), ora mixture thereof. The lactide used can be in a solid or liquid form,and can be L-lactide, D-lactide, meso-lactide, or racemic lactide, or amixture thereof. Preferably, the lactide used is L-lactide ormeso-lactide or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the lactide is producedfrom a fermentation process. For at least some applications, L-lactideis most preferred. The hydroxyl containing compound can be a fattyalcohol, such as those containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms.Preferably, the hydroxyl containing compound is a primary alcohol. Oneexample of a preferred fatty alcohol is lauryl alcohol. Also preferably,no solvent is used in the process, and the alkyl lactyllactate producedis a clear, homogeneous liquid.

Another embodiment of a method to make the alkyl lactyllactate of thepresent technology is the condensation of at least about 4 equivalentsof at least one lactic acid component per 1 equivalent of at least onehydroxyl containing compound (e.g., a fatty alcohol or alkoxylatedalcohol) component, and relative amounts thereto. Preferably, a catalystis used. An example of a preferred catalysts is para-toluensulfonicacid. The reaction temperature can be in the range of from about 120° C.to about 200° C. Preferably, no solvent is used in the reaction.

In yet another aspect, the presently describe technology provides acomposition comprising at least one alkyl lactyllactate. The compositioncan be in an aqueous system or in other forms. The composition canfurther comprise one or more surfactants. The composition can furthercomprise a buffer. Such a buffer, for example, may comprise a sufficientamount (e.g., about 0.1% to about 0.75% by weight) of citric acid/sodiumcitrate, lactic acid/ammonium lactate, or a mixture thereof. Preferably,the buffer system should be provided in a sufficient amount to stabilizethe pH of the resultant formulation for at least four weeks in astability test at 50° C. The proper amount of the buffer needed can bedetermined by routine steps/tests known and appreciated by those skilledin the art, and is dependent on the level of alkyl lactyllactate(s)and/or other actives used in the end-use formulation. Preferably, thealkyl group in the alkyl lactyllactate comprises from about 6 to about18 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 12 to about 14 carbon atoms,such as a lauryl group. More preferably, the alkyl lactyllactate is anL-alkyl lactyllactate. Most preferably, the composition is substantiallyfree of alkyl lactyllactates of other stereoisomers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show viscosity salt response curves of exemplarycompositions with or without alkyl lactyllactates of the presenttechnology.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the foam performance test (with no oil) results ofexemplary compositions with or without alkyl lactyllactates of thepresent technology.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the body wash performance comparison of exemplarycompositions with or without alkyl lactyllactates of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7 shows comparative study results of the stability of a compositionwith a buffer and a composition without a buffer.

FIG. 8 shows the hand wash test results of exemplary compositions withlauryl lactyllactate of the present technology at different total activeconcentrations as compared to a control composition without lauryllactyllactate (“LLL” or “L3”) of the present technology.

FIG. 9 shows viscosity salt response curves of four compositionscontaining a primary surfactant and a secondary surfactant at a 4:1 or14:1 ratio. The total active amount of surfactants is 15% in eachcomposition. The primary surfactant used is sodium lauryl 2 mole ethersulphate (SLES-2 or CS-230). The secondary surfactant used iscocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB or HCG) or L3.

FIG. 10 shows the expert panel hand wash study results of three soapsamples.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the hand foaming test results of three soapsamples.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the expert panel skin feel test results of threesoap samples.

FIG. 15 shows the hand foaming test results of three compositionscomprising three different primary surfactants and L3 as compared to acontrol composition comprising CS-230 and HCG.

FIG. 16 shows the hand foaming test results of three compositionscomprising three different primary surfactants and L3 as compared tothree compositions comprising the three different primary surfactantsand HCG.

FIG. 17 shows the viscosity salt response curves of three compositionscomprising three different primary surfactants and L3 as compared tothree compositions comprising the three different primary surfactantsand HCG.

FIGS. 18-20 show hand wash foaming results of three series ofcompositions comprising SLES-2 (CS-230) as the primary surfactant and,HCG, L3, cocamide monoethanolamide, amphoacetate, sulfosuccinate, or acombination thereof as the secondary surfactant.

FIG. 21 shows the foam performance test (with no oil) results of threecompositions comprising lauryl lactyllactate made from (1) L-lactide or(2) a 15:85 mixture of L-lactide and meso-lactide or (3) racemiclactide.

FIG. 22 shows the viscosity salt response curves of three compositionscomprising lauryl lactyllactate made from (1) L-lactide or (2) a 15:85mixture of L-lactide and meso-lactide or (3) racemic lactide

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with some embodiments, the alkyl lactyllactates of thepresent technology can be of the following general structure (I):

In general structure (I), R comprises an alkyl group or alkoxylatedalkyl group. R can be derived from at least one hydroxyl containingcompound, such as an alcohol. As used herein, the term “hydroxylcontaining compound” refers generally to a compound that contains atleast one hydroxyl (“OH”) group.

Preferably, the alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology exhibits aspecific chirality, which can be, for example, an L-lactyllactate, aD-lactyllactate, an L,D/D,L racemic lactyllactate made from, forexample, meso-lactide, or an L,L/D,D racemic lactyllactate made from,for example, racemic lactide, or a mixture thereof. In accordance withat least some applications, L-lactyllactate is most preferred. The alkyllactyllactates can be prepared from lactide and a hydroxyl containingcompound, such as a fatty alcohol, or an alkoxylated alcohol (a “lactideprocess”). The alkyl lactyllactates can also be prepared directly fromlactic acid (a “lactic acid process”). Preferably, the lactic acid usedto prepare the lactide or alkyl lactyllactates of the present technologyis produced via a fermentation process as known in the art.

The hydroxyl containing compound used to make the alkyl lactyllactatesof the present technology can be straight, branched, saturated, orunsaturated, and can be derived from natural or synthetic feed stocks.The alkyl group in the hydroxyl containing compound can preferablyinclude from about 1 to about 22, alternatively from about 6 to about18, alternatively from about 12 to about 18, alternatively from about 12to about 14 carbon atoms. The hydroxyl containing compound preferablycontains at least one primary hydroxyl group. Preferably, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present technology, lactide canselectively react with the primary hydroxyl groups in the hydroxylcontaining compounds. The hydroxyl containing compounds are preferablysubstantially free of secondary or tertiary hydroxyl groups. Withoutintending to be bound by any particular theory, it has been surprisinglyfound that a secondary or tertiary hydroxyl alcohol can cause apolymerization problem when the lactide reacts with the hydroxylcontaining compound, for example, at an equal molar ratio. Morepreferably, in accordance with some embodiments, the hydroxyl containingcompounds are primary fatty alcohols, and most preferably, C12-C14 fattyalcohols to avoid the polymerization problem in making one or more ofthe alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology.

It has also been found that fatty alcohols, in particular C12 or C14 orC12/C14 alcohols, can provide alkyl lactyllactates exhibiting improvedand desired foaming, detergency, skin feel, and/or physical properties(e.g., viscosity building, solubility, and formulatability) for use in,for example, personal care, home care, and other cleansing applications.Although not intending to be bound by any particular theory, it isbelieved that C12/C14 lactyllactates of the present technology canprovide the best overall performance for at least some end-useapplications (e.g., body washes, shampoos, etc.). It is also believedthat an alkyl lactyllactate made from C16 or C16/C18 can produce abetter feel, but less foam, for example. In addition, C12/C14lactyllactates are liquid at room temperature, while C16/C18lactyllactates are solids at room temperature. When lower alcohols areused, the resulting alkyl lactyllactates can still provide good foamingperformance, but their viscosity building properties may be worse thanC12/C14 lactyllactates. Examples of suitable fatty alcohols includelauryl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

In addition, it is preferable that no solvent is used in the lactideprocesses of the present technology to make the desired alkyllactyllactates. It is an object of the present technology to eliminatethe use of a solvent in the reaction process for producing alkyllactyllactates for at least some applications, such as personal careapplications. However, typically, a solvent free process can bedifficult to operate because of viscosity or product distributionconcerns. In the presently described technology, it has beensurprisingly found that a reaction product with the desiredlactyllactate to lactate or higher polymer distribution can be obtainedby using a solvent-free reaction system. The alkyl lactyllactate productproduced by the lactide processes of the present technology preferablycontains more than about 90% of at least one alkyl lactyllactate andless than about 10% of alkyl lactate(s), higher polymer(s) and otherimpurity components, based on the total weight of the reaction product.

By way of further example, the hydroxyl containing compounds of thepresent technology may be alkoxylated alcohols, for example, alcoholsthat are ethoxylated, propoxylated or both. The hydroxyl containingcompounds can be alkoxylated in situ when reacting with lactide.Alternatively, preformed alkoxylated hydroxyl containing compounds canbe used. For example, ethoxylated lauryl alcohols can be used to produceethoxylated lauryl lactyllactates (LLL(EO)) containing a specificamount, which preferably is from about 1 to about 12 (e.g., 1 mole, 2moles, or 3 moles), of ethoxylate (EO) per mole of the lactyllactate(e.g., LLL (1EO), LLL (2EO), or LLL (3EO)).

Alkoxylation can change, among other things, the polarity of an alkyllactyllactate molecule, which can make the resulting lactyllactatemolecule more water soluble and affect its hydrophilic/lipophilicbalance (HLB). It can also affect the packing of a surfactant in amicelle. Alkoxylation can further affect the wetting ability, cloudpoint, and other surfactant properties of the alkyl lactyllactate.Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is believedthat alkoxylation can allow for emulsion with lower surfactant activesor microemulsion, improved clarity, and better stability. The cleaningperformance of a lactyllactate surfactant may also be affected, and theability to tailor properties of the surfactant is increased.

In accordance with some embodiments, the alkyl lactyllactate of thepresent technology can be represented by the following general structure(II):

In the general structure (II), R preferably contains about two to aboutsix, more preferably about two to about four, most preferably about twoto about three carbon atoms, R¹ preferably contains about one to abouttwenty two, alternatively about one to about eighteen, alternativelyabout six to about eighteen, alternatively about twelve to aboutfourteen, alternatively about one to about six carbon atoms (e.g., fourcarbon atoms), and the number of repeat units (n) preferably can varyfrom about 0 to about 100. When n is 0, R¹ preferably contains about 12to about 18, alternatively about 12 to about 14 carbon atoms. When n isnot 0, the alkyl lactyllactates contains at least one alkoxylate group,and preferably, n is from about one to about twelve, alternatively fromabout one to about six, alternatively from about two to about 4; R¹preferably contains about one to about six carbon atoms (e.g., butanol+1EO, butanol+2EO, ethanol+2EO, hexanol+2EO), alternatively, R¹ containsabout 6 to about 18 carbon atoms.

In some embodiments, the R group in the general structure (I) or the R¹group in the general structure (II) above can be derived from a diolwith two primary hydroxyl groups (OH's) or a polyol containing two ormore primary OH's. In some other embodiments, the R group can be derivedfrom diols or polyols containing at least one primary OH. For example,when a compound containing two primary hydroxyl groups (e.g., glycerinor ethoxylated glycerin) is used as the bridging molecule, the alkyllactyllactate in accordance with some embodiments of the presenttechnology can be represented by the following general structure (III):

In accordance with some embodiments, the R group in the above formula(III) can preferably contain from about two to about twenty-four,preferably from about two to about eight carbon atoms, and R can be analkyl group or an alkoxylated alkyl group. For example, the R group canbe derived from glycerin or ethoxylated glycerin.

Different forms of lactide, such as L-lactide, D-lactide, meso-lactide,racemic lactide, or a mixture thereof can be used to produce the alkyllactyllactates of the present technology. L-lactide, meso-lactide, or amixture thereof is preferred. More preferably, the lactide used in thepresently described technology is made from lactic acid or a derivativethereof produced from a fermentation process such as a carbohydratefermentation or biofermentation process known in the art. Derivatives oflactic acid that may be used to produce lactides include, for example,lactate esters and ammonium lactate obtained by lactic fermentation.

In at least one embodiment of the present technology, L-lactide or amixture of L-lactide and meso-lactide is most preferred to produce alkyllactyllactates with, for example, better foaming and/or better viscositybuilding properties. Thus, for some personal care applications,lactyllactates made from L-lactide or a mixture of L-lactide andmeso-lactide are most preferred. In some other embodiments, alkyllactyllactates made from meso-lactide can be preferred. For example, forlight duty laundry (LDL) detergent, high duty laundry (HDL) detergent,some soap bar applications, or some solvent applications, alkyllactyllactates produced from meso-lactide can be preferably used.Meso-lactide and mixtures of L-lactide and meso-lactide are normally inliquid form at room temperature, while L-lactide, racemic lactide, andD-lactide are solids at room temperature. Without intending to be boundby any particular theory, it has been observed that a mixture ofmeso-lactide and L-lactide reacts faster than a pure L-lactide underidentical reaction conditions.

The reaction temperatures for producing alkyl lactyllactates of thepresent technology can be in the range of from about 15° C. to about150° C., alternatively from about 20° C. to about 100° C., alternativelyfrom about 25° C. to about 75° C., alternatively from about 30° C. toabout 70° C. In accordance with at least some embodiments (e.g., to makealkyl lactyllactates for personal care applications), the reactiontemperature preferably is in the range of from about 40° C. to about 60°C., alternatively from about 50° C. to about 60° C., alternatively fromabout 40° C. to about 50° C.

An acid catalyst is preferably used in the reaction of lactide andhydroxyl containing compounds. Examples of acid catalysts include, butare not limited to, H₂SO₄, HCl, p-toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA), andNAFION® ionomers (available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company).In accordance with at least some embodiments, the amount of catalystneeded for one or more processes of the present technology is about 1.0wt % or less, alternatively from about 0.01 wt % to about 0.4 wt %,based on the weight of lactide in the reaction mixture.

Alkyl lactyllactates made from L-lactide are most preferred for at leastsome embodiments of the present technology, especially for personal careapplications. For some personal care applications, alkyl lactyllactatesmade from a mixture of L-lactide and meso-lactide can also be preferablyused. It has been unexpectedly discovered that alkyl lactyllactates madefrom L-lactide or a mixture of L-lactide and meso-lactide have betterfoaming and/or better viscosity building properties than the racemicalkyl lactyllactates made from meso-lactide or racemic lactide. When amixture of L-lactide and meso-lactide is used, the amount of L-lactidein the mixture can be from about 50% to about 100%, alternatively fromabout 0% to about 70%, alternatively from about 15% to about 70%, basedon the total weight of the L-lactide and meso-lactide. The scheme belowillustrates a process of the present technology for producing L-alkyllactyllactates. In this exemplary scheme, L-lactide reacts with a C₆₋₁₈fatty alcohol (ROH) at 50° C. in the presence of H₂SO₄, as the catalyst,for approximately 12 to 24 hours to produce an L-alkyl lactyllactate.

Other lactides such as D-lactide, meso-lactide and racemic lactide canproduce alkyl lactyllactates with different stereochemistry(stereoisomers). In at least one embodiment of the present technology,alkyl lactyllactates made from meso-lactide are preferred. In thefollowing exemplary scheme, meso-lactide reacts with a C₁₂₋₁₈ fattyalcohol (ROH) at 50° C. in the presence of H₂SO₄, as the catalyst, forapproximately 12 to 24 hours to produce an L,D/D,L rac-alkyllactyllactate. Another form of rac-alkyl lactyllactate (L,L/D,D) can beproduced by reacting racemic lactide with the fatty alcohol.

It has been discovered that the processes of the presently describedtechnology can substantially reduce or avoid the production ofby-products and unexpectedly increase the production yield and productpurity of the targeted alkyl lactyllactate. For example, it has beendiscovered that the reaction of lactide with a hydroxyl containingcompound (e.g., L-lactide with lauryl alcohol) in accordance with thepresent technology can preferably achieve a yield of about 95% or more,and the purity of alkyl lactyllactate(s) in the product mixture withoutfurther purification can preferably reach about 90% or more,alternatively about 95% or more, based on the total weight of theproduct mixture. The amount of either the alkyl lactate by-product orthe remaining alcohol is preferably less than about 5% (e.g., in therange of from about 1% to about 5%) based on the total weight of theproduct mixture.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present technology,equivalent moles of lactide, e.g., solid L-lactide, and at least onefatty alcohol are combined at an elevated temperature (e.g., 50° C.)with a catalytic amount (approximately about 0.01% to about 1% by weightbased on the weight of the lactide) of sulfuric acid. Different molarratios of the lactide and the alcohol(s), for example, an excess amountof the lactide or the alcohol(s), can be used. However, equivalentamounts of lactide and alcohol(s) are preferred for at least someembodiments of the present technology. The reaction stops after, forexample, approximately 12 to 24 hours (e.g., approximately 16 hours),when the mixture becomes a hazy to clear, homogeneous liquid, preferablya clear homogeneous liquid. If the mixture is hazy, then the mixture canbe heated at an elevated temperature (e.g., 50-60° C.) for an extendedperiod of time to generate the preferred clear, homogenous liquid.Generally, the lower the reaction temperature, the longer the reactiontime is needed. The mixture can be used in personal care and otherapplications. The residual sulfuric acid can be left in, or removed by,for example, water washing, adsorption onto basic alumina or silicamedia, or via neutralization with a base.

In accordance with at least one other embodiment of the presenttechnology, lactide and a hydroxyl containing compound with two or morehydroxyl groups can be condensed in a 1:1 or higher molar ratio to makethe alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology. The hydroxylcontaining compound can be a fatty alcohol or alkoxylated alcohol, andcan be a polyol or alkoxylated polyol containing two or more hydroxylgroups, preferably two or more primary hydroxyl groups. Preferably,equivalent molar amounts of the lactide and the hydroxyl containingcompound are used. Alternatively, an excess amount of the hydroxylcontaining compound or lactide can be used, but doing so is lesspreferred for at least some applications.

Alternatively, alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology can bemade from lactic acid (e.g., L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid, or racemiclactic acid) and a hydroxyl containing compound such as an alcohol. Thereaction product normally comprises a mixture of alkyl lactyllactate(s)and alkyl lactate(s). The presently described technology providesimproved processes for making alkyl lactyllactates via a lactic acidroute. In the presently described technology, a process for making alkyllactyllactates via a lactic acid route can be referred to as the lacticacid process, while a process via a lactide route can be referred to asthe lactide process. It has been found that a reaction product producedby one or more of the lactic acid processes of the present technologyhas an unexpectedly increased ratio of alkyl lactyllactate(s) over alkyllactate(s) than that can be achieved by processes of the prior art.

Hydroxyl containing compounds as introduced above, including primary,secondary, or tertiary alcohols, can be utilized to react with thelactic acid. It has been discovered that at least in some embodiments,the ratio of alkyl lactyllactate(s) vs. alkyl lactate(s) in the reactionproduct can be improved by utilizing a primary alcohol. Similar to thelactide processes described above, preferably, no solvent is employed ina process using the lactic acid to produce the alkyl lactyllactate ofthe present technology. It has been surprisingly found that a reactionproduct with the desired lactyllactate to lactate and/or higher polymerdistribution can be obtained by the lactic acid process of the presenttechnology using a solvent-free reaction system. The alkyl lactyllactateproduct produced by the lactic acid processes of the present technologypreferably contains at least about 40%, alternatively at least about 50%alkyl lactyllactate(s), based on the total weight of the alkyllactyllactate(s) and alkyl lactates in the product, and has an alkyllactyllactate to alkyl lactate ratio of greater than about 0.5:1, morepreferably greater than about 0.8:1, most preferably greater than about1:1, as determined by GC analysis.

The lactic acid process of the present technology differs from the priorart in, for example, that a catalyst (e.g., para-toluenesulfonic acid)is used and/or a higher ratio of lactic acid to the hydroxyl containingcompound(s) is used. These two reaction variables can increase theamount of alkyl lactyllactate(s) (e.g., lauryl lactyllactate (L3))produced in the reaction, and decrease the amount of alkyl lactate(s)(e.g., lauryl lactate (L2)) produced. Examples of catalysts that can beused include, but are not limited to, sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), HCl,methanesulfonic acid, BF₃ etherate, para-toluenesulfonic (pTSA),phosphoric acid, and NAFION® ionomers. Methanesulfonic acid, BF₃etherate, and pTSA are preferred. In at least one embodiment, pTSA ismost preferred. Preferably, at least about four equivalents,alternatively at least about six equivalents, alternatively at leastabout eight equivalents, of lactic acid per one equivalent of thehydroxyl containing compound(s) (e.g., a fatty alcohol or a mixture offatty alcohols) are used.

L-lactic acid is preferred at least for some applications (such aspersonal care applications) of the present technology, but D-lactic acidor racemic lactic acid can also be used. Preferably, the lactic acid ismade by a fermentation process. The reaction temperature of the lacticacid process is preferably in the range of from about 120° C. to about200° C., alternatively from about 180° C. to about 185° C.

The alkyl lactyllactate composition obtained using the lactic acidprocess of the present technology is different from alkyl lactyllactatecompositions obtained in the lactic acid processes of the prior art(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,341), and contain substantially morelactyllactate content. For example, reaction products of the lactic acidprocesses of the present technology can preferably contain at leastabout 40%, alternatively at least about 50% alkyl lactyllactates, basedon the total weights of the alkyl lactyllactates and alkyl lactates inthe desired reaction products. In a comparative study, it was found thatreaction products produced from the lactic acid process described inU.S. Pat. No. 3,144,341 only contained about 20% or less alkyllactyllactates, based on the total weights of the alkyl lactyllactatesand alkyl lactates in the reaction products. Because of the higheramounts of the alkyl lactyllactate component, the alkyl lactyllactatecompositions produced by the lactic acid processes of the presenttechnology can exhibit different and/or superior properties than thealkyl lactyllactate compositions produced by the lactic acid processesof the prior art. For example, when the reaction products of the lacticacid processes of the present technology are used in personal or homecare applications, they can lead to improved viscosity building ascompared to the reaction products of the lactic acid processes of theprior art.

The alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology can be in differentforms depending upon the starting materials. For example, it can be achiral lactyllactate made by reacting a chiral lactide (L- or D-lactide)with an alcohol, a racemic lactyllactate made by reacting meso-lactideor racemic lactide with an alcohol, a mixture of alkyl lactyllactatesmade by reacting a mixture of L-lactide and meso-lactide with analcohol, and a mixture of alkyl lactate and alkyl lactyllactate byreacting a lactic acid with an alcohol using the processes of thepresent technology. The alcohol preferably contains at least one primaryhydroxyl group. More preferably, the alcohol is a fatty alcohol.

It has been surprisingly found that the alkyl lactyllactates of thepresent technology, such as the lauryl lactyllactate, are ideal for useas surfactants. The preferred alkyl lactyllactates of the presenttechnology are naturally derived, and substantially salt free. An alkyllactyllactate of the present technology preferably has a specificchirality, and can be an L-lactyllactate, a D-lactyllactate, an L,D/D,Lracemic lactyllactate, an L,L/D,D racemic lactyllactate, or a mixturethereof. In accordance with at least some embodiments, an alkyllactyllactate product produced by the lactide processes of the presenttechnology preferably contains more than about 90% alkyllactyllactate(s) and less than about 10% alkyl lactate(s), based on thetotal weight of the product. Alternatively, an alkyl lactyllactate ofthe present technology can be a mixture of alkyl lactyllactate(s) andalkyl lactate(s) produced by the lactic acid processes of the presenttechnology. Preferably, a reaction product mixture produced by thelactic acid processes has a lactyllactate to lactate ratio of greaterthan about 0.5:1, more preferably greater than about 0.8:1, mostpreferably greater than about 1:1 (e.g., about 1.4:1), as determined byGC analysis. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, itis believed that in some applications, such as in hard surface cleaners,the inclusion of some alkyl lactate in a surfactant composition canincrease the composition's performance by improving the ability ofsurfactants to pack in micelles.

At least some preferred alkyl lactyllactate compounds of the presenttechnology are a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature, and arenitrogen free, salt free and 100% active. Preferably, the alkyllactyllactates can be formulated in cold-mix applications. At least somealkyl lactyllactates of the present technology can provide improvedperformance (e.g., better skin feel, improved skin sloughing, enhancedfoaming, improved viscosity building properties, etc.), improved coststructure (e.g., by reducing the amount of actives), and/or improvedstability. Further, at least some of the alkyl lactyllactates are asmild or milder than conventional secondary surfactants such as alkylethersulfate, betaines, amphoacetates, amides, or sulfosuccinates. Thealkyl lactyllactates of the present technology may also be used asemulsifiers or skin feel agents. For household, industrial andinstitutional cleaning products, at least some of the alkyllactyllactates of the present technology can provide improved propertiesbecause of their surfactant properties as described above. In addition,they also can improve, for example, wetting or other surfacemodification, and aid in emulsification or dispersion ofsoils/particulates or other formulation ingredients.

At least some alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology can be usedas a rheological modifier to increase or reduce the viscosity of acomposition as desired. It has been found that comparable viscosityvalues of a surfactant system can be achieved with significantly lowerlevels of electrolytes (e.g., NaCl) by incorporating at least one alkyllactyllactate of the present technology into the surfactant system. Onthe other hand, it has also been found that by incorporating at leastone alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology in a fabric softener,the viscosity of the fabric softener composition can be significantlyreduced.

Examples of personal care products and other applications that cancontain the alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology include, butare not limited to:

-   -   Personal cleansing products (such as bar soap, bubble bath,        shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, hand soap, shower gel,        wipes, baby cleansing products, etc.);    -   Creams/lotions (such as lotion with sun-screen protection,        anti-aging creams (AHA, BHA), lightening lotion, brightening        lotion, lotion with anti-oxidants, tanning lotion, etc.);    -   Cosmetic products (such as make-up, mascara, lipstick, etc.);    -   Hair treatment products (such as hair conditioners, hair spray,        hair gel, etc.);    -   Home care or industrial or institutional products (dishwashing        detergents, laundry detergents, heavy duty detergents, light        duty detergents, fabric softeners, spot treatments, hard surface        cleaners, degreasers and/or disinfectants such as those used in        the kitchen for countertops, appliances, floors and walls, and        bathroom cleaners and disinfectants such as those used for        toilets, tubs, showers, floors and walls, polishes, etc.);    -   Anti-perspirant/deodorants (solid, roll-on, etc.); and    -   Bath oils and hair shine.

A personal cleansing or home care product such as a shampoo, soap bar,or hard surface cleaner, preferably contains about 0.01% to about 30%,alternatively about 0.01% to about 20%, alternatively about 0.01% toabout 10%, alternatively about 0.1% to about 2%, alternatively about0.01% to about 0.5%, of the alkyl lactyllactate of the presenttechnology, based on the total weight of the product. A liquid dishdetergent or laundry detergent, preferably contains about 0.1% to about40%, alternately about 0.1% to about 30%, alternately about 0.1% toabout 25%, alternatively about 0.1% to about 20%, alternately about 1%to about 25%, alternately about 3% to about 20%, of the alkyllactyllactate of the present technology, based on the total weight ofthe product.

A cream/lotion product preferably contains about 0.01% to about 75%,alternatively about 0.01% to about 60%, alternatively about 0.01% toabout 50%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 40%, alternatively about0.01% to about 30%, of the alkyl lactyllactate of the presenttechnology, based on the total weight of the product.

A bath oil or hair shine product preferably contains from about 0.01% toabout 100%, alternatively from about 1% to about 80% by weight of atleast one alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology.

A hair treatment product such as a hair conditioner, a hair gel, or ahair spray, preferably contains about 0.01% to about 35%, alternativelyabout 0.01% to about 25%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 15%, of atleast one alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology, based on thetotal weight of the product.

A solid anti-perspirant preferably contains about 0.01% to about 80%,alternatively about 0.01% to about 50%, alternatively about 0.01% toabout 35%, of at least one alkyl lactyllactate of the presenttechnology, based on the total weight of the product.

A roll-on anti-perspirant, on the other hand, preferably contains about0.01% to about 20%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 10%,alternatively about 0.01% to about 5%, of at least one alkyllactyllactate of the present technology, based on the total weight ofthe product.

A cleansing composition comprising the alkyl lactyllactate of thepresent technology preferably further contains at least one or moreother organic or inorganic surfactants such as anionic, cationic,nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants, derivatives thereof,or mixtures thereof. These surfactants are known in the art, and aredescribed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 (Laughlin et al.),which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of useful cationicsurfactants also include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,295,217(Murphy) and 4,222,905 (Cockrell), both of which are incorporated hereinby reference. In accordance with some embodiments, the one or more othersurfactants in a cleansing composition can represent from about 1% toabout 95%, alternatively from about 2% to about 70%, alternatively fromabout 2% to about 30%, alternatively from about 3% to about 10%, byweight of the cleansing composition.

Examples of popular nonionic surfactants for use with the presenttechnology include, but are not limited to, alkyl phenol ethoxylates,alcohol alkoxylates C₈₋₁₈ EO 2-12, alkyl dimethyl or alkyl amidopropyldimethyl amine oxides, MEA or DEA type alkanolamide, alkylpolyglycoside, ethoxylated alkanolamides, and mixtures thereof. Forlaundry and hard surface cleansing compositions, alcohol alkoxylates andamine oxides, for example, are preferred.

Examples of anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alcoholsulfates, alcohol alkoxy sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alpha olefinsulfonates, alpha sulfo methyl or ethyl esters of C8 through C8 fattyacids (mono and/or di-salts), sulfosuccinates, and mixtures thereof.Preferably, the alkyl groups in the anionic surfactants have from about8 to about 18 carbon atoms. The counter ions for the anionic surfactantscan be, for example, sodium, potassium, triethanol amine, monoethanolamine, ammonia, magnesium, etc. For laundry and liquid dishwashingdetergents, preferred anionic surfactants include, but are not limitedto, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, and alpha sulfomethyl ester C12-18. For hard surface cleansing compositions, preferredanionic surfactants include, for example, alkylbenzene sulfonates,alcohol sulfates, and alkyl ethoxy sulfates.

Examples of amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to,sultaines, betaines, alkyl dimethyl or alkyl amidopropyl dimethylbetaines, alkyl dimethyl or alkyl amidopropyl dimethyl amine oxides,mono- or di-sodium alkyl ampho (mono- or di)acetates; proprionates,sarcosinates, and mixtures thereof. For liquid dishwashing detergents,preferred amphoteric surfactants include, for example, betaines andamine oxides. For laundry detergents and hard surface cleansingcompositions, preferred amphoteric surfactants include, for example,amine oxides.

Examples of quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) that can be used incombination with the alkyl lactyllactates of the present technologyinclude, but are not limited to, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides,alkyl dimethyl benzyl/ethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides, alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides, and mixtures thereof. When the productscontaining the alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology are hardsurface disinfectants or sanitizers, the quaternary ammonium compoundsare preferably registered antimicrobial products, and should be used atan effective amount to kill the targeted organisms.

Anionic and zwitterionic surfactants are preferred surfactants to beused in combination with the alkyl lactyllactates of the presenttechnology for cleansing compositions because of their ability toprovide foam and remove the particulate soil from skin and hair withoutinducing dryness or irritation. Useful anionic surfactants specificallyinclude those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 (Laughllin et al.)and those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,483 (Jones), which areincorporated herein by reference.

When an alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology is used as aco-surfactant in a personal care liquid cleansing composition inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present technology, thepersonal care liquid cleansing composition preferably comprises about0.1% to about 95%, alternatively about 1% to about 70%, alternativelyabout 1% to about 30%, alternatively about 1% to about 10%,alternatively about 1% to about 5%, of other surfactants; and about 0.1%to about 15%, alternatively about 0.1% to about 5%, alternatively about0.1% to about 2%, of at least one alkyl lactyllactate of the presenttechnology. The very low concentrations for the bottom ranges can beused, for example, when finger pump foamers are used as the packagingsystems. It is known to those skilled in the art that finger pumpfoamers are very efficient packaging systems that can deliver excellentfoam at very low surfactant concentrations. Production costs can bereduced with such delivery systems.

Examples of preferred detergent systems for personal care cleansers arereadily known to those skilled in the art and can include combinationsof anionic surfactants and zwitterionic co-surfactants. U.S. Pat. No.5,705,147 (Shapiro, et al.) incorporated herein by reference provides adetailed description of such surfactants used to prepare personal carecleansers. The alkyl lactyllactates of the presently describedtechnology, when incorporated in formulations containing mixtures of thesurfactants described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,147 (Shapiro, et al.), forexample, can provide enhancement in organoleptic characteristics ofviscosity, flow-ability and foam stability. A brief list of typicalsurfactants for personal care detergents would include alkyl andaryl-sulfates and sulfonates, alkyl and aryl ether sulfates, derivativesof aliphatic quaternary ammonium compounds known in the art as betaines.

A detergent composition comprising the alkyl lactyllactate of thepresent technology preferably contains from about 0.01% to about 10%,alternatively from about 0.1% to about 5% actives of at least one alkyllactyllactate based upon the total weight formulation.

For example, a heavy duty or light duty liquid detergent formulation ofthe present technology preferably contains lauryl lactyllactate (L3)available from Stepan Company, Northfield, Ill. under the trade nameSTEPAN-MILD® L3, as a co-surfactant in conjunction with anionicsurfactants. In such applications, lauryl lactyllactate(s) can bepresent in an amount of, for example, 1.5% actives for a heavy dutylaundry formulation without enzyme; and in an amount of, for example, 3%or 1.5% for a light duty laundry or hand dishwashing formulation, basedupon the total weight of the formulation. Examples of suitable anionicsurfactants for use in such formulations include, but are not limitedto, dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium laureth sulfate (3 EO), sodiumlaureth sulfate (2 EO), and sodium methyl-2-sulfopalmitate/disodium2-sulfopalmitate.

As another example, lauryl lactyllactate can be used as a secondarysurfactant in ultra dish wash detergent formulations in amounts lessthan about 0.5% actives based upon the total formulation, such as, forexample, as low as about 0.1% actives based upon the total formulation.These ranges are appropriate when lauryl lactyllactate is the onlysecondary surfactant in the formulation, as well as in applicationswhere lauryl lactyllactate is incorporated in conjunction withadditional secondary surfactants. In contrast, conventional ultra dishwash detergent formulations typically contain secondary surfactant(s) inan amount from about 0.5% actives to about 3.5% actives based upon thetotal weight of the formulation.

The alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology can be used asco-surfactants in compositions comprising different primary surfactantssuch as alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, olefin sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, and alkali metal,alkaline earth metal, amine and ammonium salts thereof. Examples ofprimary surfactants include, but are not limited to, sodium laurylsulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfates (SLES), sodium coco sulfate,sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, sodium lauryl glucoside, ammoniumlaureth sulfates, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, poly decyl glucosidecarboxylate, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The alkyllactyllactates of the present technology can be used to substitute or incombination with conventional or new secondary surfactants such asamides, betaines, sultaines, and alkyl polyglucosides. Examples ofsecondary surfactants that can be replaced or supplemented by the alkyllactyllactates of the present technology include, but are not limitedto, cocamidopropyl betaine, acyl lactylates such as sodium lauroyllactylate, amphoacetates such as sodium cocoamphoacetate,sulfosuccinates such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, laurylglucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate, monoethanol and diethanol basedamides such as cocamide monoethanolamide, derivatives thereof, andcombinations thereof.

It has been surprisingly found that a surfactant blend comprising analkyl lactyllactate or a mixture of alkyl lactyllactates of the presenttechnology (e.g., lauryl lactyllactate) has a significantly lowercritical micelle concentration (CMC) than those that do not containalkyl lactyllactate. For example, compositions comprising the alkyllactyllactates of the present technology have exhibited a reduction incritical micelle concentration of from about 5% to about 99%,alternatively from about 30% to about 99%, alternatively from about 85%to about 99%, as compared to a comparative surfactant solution withoutthe alkyl lactyllactate. A comparative surfactant solution can be acomposition that contains substantially the same concentration of thesame surfactant actives as the composition of the present technologyunder study, but does not contain the alkyl lactyllactates of thepresent technology. Thus, without intending to be bound by anyparticular theory, it is believed that at least some of the alkyllactyllactates of the present technology can improve detergency, andpotentially improve mildness of the primary surfactants.

Typically, surfactants have the tendency to occupy space at theair/water or liquid/liquid interface. Each surfactant molecule occupiesa certain surface area, which is dominated by the molecular structure ofa surfactant. In the case of a surfactant mixture, the area per molecule(area/molecule) depends not only on the molecular structure of eachindividual surfactant molecule, but also on how different molecules arearranged and interact with each other. When the interactions betweenmolecules reduce the total repulsion forces, then each surfactantmolecule can occupy smaller area at the interface. This phenomena iscalled “reduce area/molecule”.

It has been surprisingly found that at least some alkyl lactyllactatesof the present technology (e.g., lauryl lactyllactate) can improve themolecular packing of primary surfactant at the air/water interface andreduce the area/molecule in a surfactant blend. For example, somecompositions comprising the alkyl lactyllactates of the presenttechnology have exhibited a reduction in the area per molecule of fromabout 2% to about 80%, alternatively from about 10% to about 60% (e.g.,35% or 45%), as compared to a comparative surfactant solution withoutthe alkyl lactyllactate.

Further, it has been unexpectedly discovered that a surfactant systemcontaining an alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology and aprimary surfactant (e.g., SLES-2) can saturate the air/water interfacefaster and have a lower dynamic surface tension (at the same use level)than a conventional surfactant system containing, for example, a betaineor amide and SLES-2. Thus, without intending to be bound by anyparticular theory, it is believed that at least some of the alkyllactyllactates of the present technology can potentially improve flashfoam, and foam volume, of a surfactant system. It has also beenunexpectedly discovered that lactyllactates made from L-lactide ormixtures of L-lactide and meso-lactide can produce foam better thanrac-lactyllactates.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present technology, acomposition comprising an alkyl lactyllactate of the present technologyand a primary surfactant in an aqueous system can further comprise abuffer to improve the high temperature stability of the composition. Anyprimary surfactants and buffering agents suitable for personal care,home care, or industrial and institutional products can be used.Examples of buffering systems include, but are not limited to, a citricacid/sodium citrate buffer, a lactic acid/ammonium lactate buffer, or acombination thereof. Without intending to be bound by any particulartheory, it has been observed in the present technology that the hightemperature stability of the composition can be greatly extended byusing a buffer. For cleansing applications, each surfactant system canhave a different buffer system with a different concentration. Theproper amount of the buffer needed can be determined by known testingappreciated by those skilled in the art, and is dependent on the levelof lactyllactate and other actives used in a formulation. In general,the level of the buffer can be in the range of from about 0% to about1%, alternatively from about 0.1% to about 0.75%, alternatively fromabout 0.1% to about 0.5%, based on the weight of the formulation.

In addition to aqueous systems, the alkyl lactyllactates of the presenttechnology can also be formulated into a solid, a gel, or other forms ofpersonal care products or other applications. For example, the alkyllactyllactates of the present technology can be added into soap bars asa co-surfactant. Compared to conventional secondary surfactants for soapbars such as cocamidopropyl betaine and cocamide monoethanolamide, atleast some alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology (e.g., lauryllactyllactate (L3) available from Stepan Company under the trade nameSTEPAN-MILD® L3) can exhibit improved foaming performance, anddirectional improvement in most skin feel attributes. It has been foundthat at least some alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology (e.g.,alkyl lactyllactates made from L-lactide or a mixture of L-lactide andmeso-lactide) can improve the plasticity of soap bars during processing,which suggests a positive impact on bar cracking, clipping, and peelingwithout affecting rinsability and wet feel properties.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present technology, a soapbar preferably comprises (1) about 0.01 to about 30% of the alkyllactyllactate of the present technology, (2) about 0 to about 50% of asynthetic surfactant, (3) about 0 to about 30% of at least one alphasulfonated alkyl ester, at least one sulfonated fatty acid, or a mixturethereof, (4) about 30% to about 95% of a C6-C22 soap, (5) about 0.5% toabout 30% of a C6-C22 fatty acid, (6) about 0.1% to about 5% of anelectrolyte, (7) about 0.5% to about 15% of a polyhydric alcohol, and(8) about 3% to about 22% of water, all based on the total weight of thesoap bar.

Alternatively, the soap bar can comprise: (1) about 0.01 to about 10% ofthe alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology, (2) about 0 to about20% of a synthetic surfactant, (3) about 0 to about 15% of at least onealpha sulfonated alkyl ester, at least one sulfonated fatty acid, or amixture thereof, (4) about 30% to about 95% of a C6-C22 soap, (5) about0.5% to about 10% of a C6-C22 fatty acid, (6) about 0.1% to about 3% ofan electrolyte, (7) about 0.5% to about 10% of a polyhydric alcohol, and(8) about 3% to about 22% of water, all based on the total weight of thesoap bar.

Alternatively, the soap bar can comprise: (1) about 0.01 to about 5% ofthe alkyl lactyllactate of the present technology, (2) about 0 to about10% of a synthetic surfactant, (3) about 0 to about 10% of at least onealpha sulfonated alkyl ester, at least one sulfonated fatty acid, or amixture thereof, (4) about 30% to about 95% of a C6-C22 soap, (5) about0.5% to about 5% of a C6-C22 fatty acid, (6) about 0.1% to about 2% ofan electrolyte, (7) about 0.5% to about 6% of a polyhydric alcohol, and(8) about 3% to about 22% of water, all based on the total weight of thesoap bar.

In accordance with at least one other embodiment, the one or more alkyllactyllactates of the present technology can be included in anall-purpose cleaner concentrate in an amount of, for example, from about0.01% to about 10%, alternatively from about 0.1% to about 5% activesbased on the total weight of the concentrate.

In accordance with at least one other embodiment, the one or more alkyllactyllactates of the present technology can be included in aready-to-use cleaner in an amount of, for example, from about 0.01% toabout 10%, alternatively about 0.1% to about 5% actives based on thetotal weight of the cleaner.

One or more alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology can also beincluded in a glass cleaner in an amount of, for example, from about0.01 to about 2% actives based on the total weight of the cleaner.

Further, one or more alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology canbe included in a bathroom cleaner in an amount of, for example, fromabout 0.01 to about 10% actives based on the total weight of thecleaner.

Moreover, one or more alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology canalso be included in a liquid scouring cleaner in an amount of, forexample, from about 0.01 to about 10% actives based on the total weightof the cleaner.

One or more alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology can also beincluded in a dishwashing powder or gel in an amount of, for example,from about 0.01 to about 5% actives based on the total weight of theformulation.

One or more alkyl lactyllactates of the present technology can also beadded into a carpet traffic spotter in an amount of, for example, fromabout 0.1% to about 8% actives, based on the total weight of thecomposition.

The following abbreviations may be used in the present application,especially in the examples:

-   -   SLES-2 or CS-230: Sodium lauryl 2 mole ether sulphate, available        from Stepan Company as STEOL® CS-230 (26% active sodium laureth        sulfate)    -   LMDO: Lauramidoproplyamine/Myristamidopropylamine oxide,        available from Stepan Company as AMMONYX® LMDO (33% active)    -   HCG or CAPB: cocamidopropyl betaine, commercially available from        Stepan Company as AMPHOSOL® HCG (31% active)    -   LL Lactyllactate    -   C12 LL or LLL or L3: Lauryl Lactyllactate, commercially        available from Stepan Company under the trade name STEPAN-MILD®        L3 (100% active)    -   C18 LL or SLL: Stearyl Lactyllactate    -   L2 Lauryl Lactate

NEODOL 25: C12-15 fatty alcohol (commercially available from Shell OilCompany under the trade name NEODOL® 25)

-   -   NEODOL 45: C14-15 fatty alcohol (commercially available from        Shell Oil Company under the trade name NEODOL® 45)    -   NEODOL 67: C16-17 fatty alcohol (commercially available from        Shell Oil Company under the trade name NEODOL® 67)    -   BRIJ 78: Polyoxyethylene (20) Stearyl Ether (commercially        available from ICI Americas, Incorporated under the trade name        BRIJ 78)    -   IPP: Isopropyl Palmitate, commercially available from HallStar        Company, Chicago, Ill.    -   GMS: Glycerol Monostearate, commercially available from HallStar        Company as HALLSTAR® GMS PURE (100% active)    -   Cetyl Alcohol: Cetyl Alcohol, also known as palmityl alcohol,    -   NaCl: Sodium Chloride    -   CMC: Critical Micelle Concentration    -   COMF: Cocamide Monoethanolamide (Cocamide MEA), commercially        available from Stepan Company as NINOL® COMF (100% active)    -   SLS: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, commercially available from Stepan    -   Company as STEPANOL® WA-Extra (29% active)    -   DCFAS or SCS: Sodium Coco-Sulfate, commercially available from        Stepan Company as STEPANOL® DCFAS (100% active)    -   SLL-FB: Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, commercially available from        Stepan Company as Stepan® SLL-FB    -   CS-370: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, 3 EO, commercially available        from Stepan Company as STEOL® CS-370 (70% active)    -   CS-270: Sodium Laureth Sulfate 2 EO, commercially available from        Stepan Company as STEOL® CS-270 (70% active)    -   MES 16: Sodium Methyl-2-Sulfopalmitate/Disodium        2-Sulfopalmitate, commercially available from Stepan Company

The presently described technology and its advantages will be betterunderstood by reference to the following examples. These examples areprovided to describe specific embodiments of the present technology. Byproviding these specific examples, the applicants do not limit the scopeand spirit of the present technology. It will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the full scope of the presently describedtechnology encompasses the subject matter defined by the claimsappending this specification, and any alterations, modifications, orequivalents of those claims.

EXAMPLES Viscosity Salt Response Test Method

The method used in the examples of the present application to measureviscosity salt responses of the compositions can be described asfollows:

1. A desired surfactant composition is prepared and its pH is adjustedto about 5 to about 6.2. The sample composition is poured off into a series of jars in theamount of about 100 grams of solution.3. Different amount of dry sodium chloride is added into the solutions.The solutions are mixed well until the salt is fully dissolved.4. The samples are centrifuged or sonicated and equilibrated to 25° C.5. The viscosity of the sample is measured using a Brookfield ViscometerHelipath Stand (Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc., Middleboro,Mass.) with a spindle 4 at speed 20.

Shake Foam Test Method

The method used in the examples of the present application to measurefoaming performance of the compositions can be described as follows:

1. A 0.2% active sample solution is prepared in 25° C. tap water. A 0.2%solids solution is prepared if the active level is unknown.2. 100.0 g+/−0.01 g, of the 0.2% sample solution is added to a 500 mLgraduated cylinder. The initial foam is kept to a minimum.3. 2.0 g+/−0.01 g of castor oil is added to the graduated cylinder, anda stopper is placed on the cylinder.4. The graduated cylinder is placed in the shake foam machine, and theclamps are secured at the rubber stopper.5. The shake foam machine is programmed to invert the cylinder 10 times.6. The foam is allowed to settle for 15 seconds. A reading of total foamheight, including the base of the 100 mL of solution, is taken.7. After 5 minutes, foam height is read and recorded again as in Step 6.

Skin Feel Test Method

The skin feel test method may also be referred to as hand wash testmethod. A human in-vivo panel test method was used in the examples toevaluate body wash formulations. According to this method, hand washtests are conducted using luke-warm (from about 95° F. to 105° F. orabout 35° C.) tap water with a hardness of about, for example, 150 ppm(1.8/1 Ca:Mg). In the test, if the test product is a liquid body washcomposition, 1 mL of the test product was dispensed to a panelist's wetpalm. Panelists wash their hands by working the product into foam for 30seconds followed by rinsing for 15 seconds. If the test product is asoap bar, panelists wet their hands with water; pre-wash their hands bymaking 5 half bar rotations in the palms of their hands; work theirhands for 25 seconds to generate foam; and then rinse their hands for 15seconds. The washing procedure is repeated one more time. Foam iscollected in a graduated beaker and measured. Hands are rinsed underrunning water for 15 seconds and dried by paper towel. The paneliststhen rank test products for ease of application, wet stage and dry stage(skin-feel) performance properties on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 beingthe worst, and 5 being the best.

The described human in-vivo panel test method can also be used toevaluate body wash formulations for a broad range of application,cleansing and skin feel properties. Panelists with normal, dry and moistskin type are selected for each test as determined using a NOVA moisturemeter, commercially available from Nova Instruments, Incorporated. ANOVA reading less than 100 represents dry skin; a reading of 110-130represents normal skin; and a reading of 130 or above represents moistskin. Panelists are asked to evaluate the experimental and controlformulations using the procedure describe above. For example, in someexperiments a 12% sodium 2 mole ether sulfate (SLES-2/CS-230) and 3%cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB/HCG) (which is believed to be the mostwidely used surfactant system in body washes) was used as the control.Experimental formulations tested may contain different amounts ofsurfactant actives (e.g., 12%, 13%, 14% or 15% by weight active) and maycontain different ratios of primary surfactant to secondary surfactant(e.g., 4:1 or 14:1). A questionnaire was developed to record panelist'sresponses during and after body wash application.

According to the questionnaire, a panelist first needs to record thetemperature and humidity of the environment, and his or her NOVA skintype. The panelist then needs to answer 14 questions as follows:

1. Ease of Application: 1=difficult; 5=easy2. Flash Foam/Generation: 1=difficult; 5=easy3. Bubble Size: 1=rich, creamy; 5=light, loose4. Foam Volume: 1=virtually no foam; 5=copious amount of foam5. Foam Feel: 1=non-lubricating; 5=very lubricating6. Overall Impression: 1=bad; 5=good7. Rinsability: 1=rinses poorly; 5=rinses easily and quickly8. Wet Feel: 1=squeaky clean, 5=clean or substantive clean9. Tackiness during drying: 1=tacky, sticky; 5=not tacky or sticky10. Skin Tightness when dry: 1=very tight; 5 not tight11. Skin Moisturizing: 1=very dry; 5=not dry12. Skin Softness: 1=rough; 5=very soft13. Overall Initial Impression: 1=bad; 5=good14. Overall Impression After 2-3 Minutes: 1=bad; 5=good

The data from the panelist assessment was recorded. In addition topanelist basic information, the questionnaire was structured in order tocapture the panelist's responses related to product application, wetstage and dry stage. The panelists were asked to assess the performanceof the experimental test sample/formulation and the control for each ofthe attributes shown here, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.As mentioned above, formulations with a variety of total activesurfactant concentrations (e.g., 15% active) comprising different ratiosof primary surfactants to secondary surfactants (e.g., 4:1 ratio) couldbe used. The pH of the formulation was adjusted to about 5 to about 6using citric acid or sodium hydroxide. All experimental formulationswere either compared to sodium 2 mole alcohol ethersulfate/cocamidopropyl betaine (CS-230/HCG) control or another controlsample. The difference in score between the experimental sample and thecontrol was calculated for each property. The average score from thepanelists was taken to determine the directional performance between theexperimental sample and one control. If the overall differential scorebetween the experimental sample and the control was positive, thisindicated that the experimental sample performed directionally betterthan the control. If the overall differential score between theexperimental body wash and the control is zero, the conclusion is thatthe experimental sample formulation performed equal to the control. Ifthe difference between the experimental sample and control is negative,the conclusion is that the experimental sample performed inferior to thecontrol.

Example 1 Preparation of Lauryl Lactyllactate at Room Temperature

Lauryl alcohol (19.2 g, 0.10 mol, LOROL® C 12/98, Cognis) was charged toa nitrogen flushed flask. L-lactide (14.4 g, 0.10 mol, Aldrich) wasadded as a solid and the mixture was stirred. One drop of sulfuric acidwas added, and the slurry was stirred at room temperature for 3 daysafter which time a clear liquid resulted. NMR testing indicated completeconversion of the lactide. The resulting product was Lauryllactyllactate (LLL or C12 LL), which is a mixture of C12-C14lactyllactates.

Example 2 Preparation of C12-C18 Lactyllactate at an ElevatedTemperature

C12-C18 alcohol (20.8 g, 0.10 mol, LOROL® Technisch, Cognis) was chargedto a nitrogen flushed flask. L-lactide (14.4 g, 0.10 mol, Aldrich) wasadded as a solid, and the mixture was stirred. One drop of sulfuric acidwas added; and the slurry was stirred at 50° C. for 20 hours after whichtime a clear liquid resulted. NMR testing indicated complete conversionof the lactide. The resulting product was a mixture of C12-C18lactyllactates (C12-C18 LL).

Example 3 Viscosity Salt Response Tests for Compositions Using AlkylLactyllactates as Secondary Surfactants

A series of compositions (5) were formulated, each of which contained12% by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% by weight active a secondarysurfactant (4:1 ratio). The secondary surfactants were (1) HCG(control), (2) C12-C18 LL, (3) C16 LL, (4) C18 LL, and (5) C18 (Oleyl)LL.

Viscosity salt responses of these compositions were tested according tothe viscosity salt response test method as describe above, and theresults are shown in FIG. 1.

The results show that the compositions based on CS-230 as primarysurfactant and C12-C18 LL, C18 (Oleyl) LL, C16 LL and C18 LL assecondary surfactants, increased viscosity in the presence of a properamount of NaCl electrolyte. The results also show that the compositionsbased on CS-230 as primary surfactant with C12-C18 LL, C18 (Oleyl) LLand C16 LL as secondary surfactants, had higher viscosity values thanthe CS-230/HCG (control) compositions at lower concentrations of NaCl,while the compositions based on CS-230 and C18 LL had comparableviscosity values to the control compositions at low or higherconcentrations of NaCl. Therefore, a lower amount of NaCl is needed fora composition based on CS-230 and C12-C18 LL, C18 (Oleyl) LL or C16 LLin order to have a desired viscosity in comparison to a compositionbased on CS-230 and HCG. By reducing the salt utilized in the productionof the compositions of the present technology, the weight andcorrosivity of such compositions are also reduced, thus leading toimproved product handling and longer equipment life.

Example 4 Viscosity Salt Response Tests for Compositions Using AlkylLactyllactates as Secondary Surfactants

A series of compositions (5) were prepared, each of which contains 12%by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% by weight active a secondarysurfactant (4:1 ratio). The secondary surfactants in this example were(1) HCG (control), (2) C12 LL, (3) NEODOL 25 LL, (4) NEODOL 45 LL, and(5) NEODOL 67 LL.

Viscosity salt responses of these compositions were tested according tothe viscosity salt response test method as described above, and theresults are shown in FIG. 2.

The results show that for 15% active compositions comprising CS-230 andLLL (4:1 ratio), there was an increase in viscosity with increase in theconcentration of NaCl electrolyte until about 1% NaCl was used. Theresults also show that for 15% active composition of CS-230/LLL (4:1ratio), comparable viscosity values can be achieved with significantlylower levels of NaCl electrolyte compared to a 15% active composition ofCS-230/HCG (4:1 ratio). Similarly, the results show that when alkyllactyllactates prepared from NEODOL 25, 45, and 67 are used, desirableviscosity values can be achieved with significantly lower levels of NaClelectrolyte compared to a composition based on CS-230 and HCG. Aspreviously stated, reduction of the salt needed for a desirableviscosity value offers significant advantages associated with, forexample, storage of the raw material itself and for production ofconsumer products in packaging equipment that is sensitive to corrosion.By reduction of the salt utilized to produce the compositions of thetechnology, the weight and corrosivity of such compositions are alsoreduced, thus leading to easier product handling and longer equipmentlife.

Example 5 Foaming Performance Tests for Compositions Using AlkylLactyllactates as Secondary Surfactants

A series of six compositions were prepared, each of which contained 12%by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% by weight active of a secondarysurfactant (4:1 ratio). No oil was added to the compositions. Thesecondary surfactants were (1) HCG (control), (2) C12-C18 LL, (3) C16LL, (4) C18 LL, (5) C18 (Oleyl) LL, and (6) C12 LL.

Foaming performance of each composition was tested by the shake foamtest method (also called cylinder inversion test method) as describedabove. The foaming results of the six compositions without castor oil(both initial and after five minutes) were recorded and shown in FIG. 3.

The results without castor oil show that the experimental compositionsbased on CS-230 as primary surfactant and C12-C18 LL, C16 LL, C18 LL,C18 (Oleyl), and C12 LL as secondary surfactants have comparable orhigher foam heights as compared to the CS-230/HCG (control) composition.The results also show that the CS-230/C12LL composition had the bestoverall performance among the alkyl lactyllactate compositions withoutcastor oil tested in this example. Furthermore, this composition hadsignificantly better foaming performance as compared to the CS-230/HCGcontrol composition.

Experiments of compositions combined with castor oils were alsoperformed. The results show that compositions based on CS-230 primarysurfactant with C12-C18 LL, C16 LL and C12 LL secondary surfactants hadcomparable or better foaming performance as compared to the CS-230/HCG(control) composition in the presence of castor oils. Furthermore, theresults show that the composition based on CS-230 with C16 LL had thebest overall foaming performance in the presence of castor oil ascompared to the CS-230/HCG (control) composition and the compositionscontaining CS-230 with the other alkyl lactyllactate secondarysurfactants tested in this example. Lastly, the results show that thecompositions containing C18 and C18 (oleyl) lactyllactates had the worstfoaming performance in the presence of castor oil as compared to thecompositions of other alkyl lactyllactates tested with the CS-230primary surfactant and the CS-230/HCG (control) composition.

Example 6 Foaming Performance Tests for Compositions Using AlkylLactyllactates as Secondary Surfactants

A series of five compositions were prepared, each of which contained 12%by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% by weight active a secondarysurfactant (4:1 ratio). No oil was added to the compositions. Thesecondary surfactants were (1) HCG (control), (2) C12 LL, (3) NEODOL 25LL, (4) NEODOL 45 LL, and (5) NEODOL 67 LL.

Foaming performance of each composition was tested by the shake foamtest method as described above. The foaming results of the fivecompositions without castor oil (both initial and after five minutes)are shown in FIG. 4.

The results show that the composition based on CS-230 and C12 LL hasbetter foaming performance than the CS-230/HCG (control) compositionwithout the addition of castor oil. The results also show thatcompositions containing alkyl lactyllactates prepared from NEODOL 25,45, and 67 and CS-230 had comparable foaming performance as compared tothe CS-230/HCG (control) composition without the addition of castor oil.

Experiments of compositions with the addition of castor oils were alsoperformed. The results show that compositions containing the alkyllactyllactates prepared from NEODOL 25, 45, and 67 and CS-230 hadcomparable performance with each other, and each of them haddirectionally inferior (i.e., slightly poorer) foaming performance ascompared to the CS-230/HCG (control) composition in the presence ofcastor oil. The composition based on CS-230 and C12 LL still showedsubstantially better foaming performance than the CS-130/HCG (control)composition in the presence of castor oil. The results also show thatthe presence of a citric acid/sodium citrate buffer did not have asignificant effect on the foaming performance of the compositioncontaining CS-230 and C12 LL with or without castor oil.

Example 7 Softness and Moisturization Performance Comparison BetweenCompositions Based on Alkyl Lactyllactates and HCG

A series of five body wash compositions were prepared, each of whichcontained 12% by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% by weight active asecondary surfactant (4:1 ratio). The secondary surfactants were (1) HCG(used as a control), (2) C12 LL, (3) C16 Lactylate, (4) Oleyl LL, and(5) C12-18 LL.

Softness and moisturization performance of each composition were testedusing the skin feel test method as described above. The relative resultsof them as compared to the composition containing HCG/CS-230 (control)are shown in FIG. 5.

The results show that the compositions based on CS-230/C12 LL andCS-230/C16 Lactylate had better softness and moisturization performanceas compared to the CS-230/HCG (control) composition and the compositionsbased on CS-230/C18 (Oleyl) LL and CS-230/C12-C18 LL.

Example 8 Softness and Moisturization Performance Comparison of BodyWashes with NEODOL 25 LL, NEODOL 45 LL, NEODOL 67 LL and LLL AgainstBody Wash with HCG

Five body wash compositions were prepared, each of which contained 12%by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% by weight active a secondarysurfactant (4:1 ratio). The secondary surfactants were (1) HCG(control), (2) LLL (i.e., C12 LL), (3) NEODOL 25 LL, (4) NEODOL 45 LL,and (5) NEODOL 67 LL.

Softness and moisturization performance of each composition during bodywash were tested by the skin feel test method as described above. Therelative results as compared to the composition containing HCG/CS-230(control) are shown in FIG. 6.

The results show that compositions containing CS-230/LLL andCS-230/NEODOL 67 LL had better softness and moisturization performanceas compared to the CS-230/HCG (control) composition. The compositionsbased on CS-230/NEODOL 25 LL and CS-230/NEODOL 45 LL had comparablesoftness and moisturization performance compared to the CS-230/HCG(control) composition.

Example 9 Comparative Study of the Stability of LLL Formulations withand without a Buffer

Two LLL compositions were formulated, one with a buffer, and the otherwithout. The buffer used was a 0.5% active sodium citrate/citric acidand 0.5% active ammonium lactate/lactic acid system.

The stability of the two compositions were studied at both roomtemperature and at 50° C. over a four week time period. The results interms of pH values and viscosities of the two compositions are recordedin FIG. 7.

The results show that the CS-230/LLL composition with the buffer of 0.5%active sodium citrate/citric acid and 0.5% active ammoniumlactate/lactic acid had a more stable pH and viscosity at 50° C. overthe four week period as compared to the same composition without abuffer.

Example 10 Comparative Study of Stearyl Lactyllactate as a Co-Emulsifierin Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Two oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions A and B were prepared in this exampleas their formulations shown in the table below.

TABLE 1 Formulation A B (Control) Ingredients Wt % Active Wt % ActiveDeionized (D.I.) Water Q.S. to 100 Q.S. to 100 BRIJ 78 1.0 1.0 StearylLactyllactate 1.5 0 IPP 10.0 10.0 GMS 1.5 1.5 Cetyl Alcohol 2.0 2.0Preservative q.s. q.s. Initial viscosity @ 25° C. (cps) 7,200 6,000Viscosity after 3 days @ 25° C. (cps) 8.600 6,000

The difference between the two emulsions is that emulsion A contained1.5 wt % of stearyl lactyllactate (SLL), and the control emulsion B didnot. The viscosities of the two compositions (both initial and after 3days) were measured and recorded in the table above.

The results show that stearyl lactyllactate increased the viscosity ofoil-in-water emulsions. Such an outcome allows for the production offinal products utilizing such alkyl lactyllactates in a more costeffective and cost efficient manner due to lower amounts of suchcomponents being utilized.

Example 11 Preparation of Palmityl Lactyllactate

Palmityl alcohol (24.2 g, 0.10 mol, LOROL® C 14/98, Cognis) was chargedto a nitrogen flushed flask. L-lactide (14.4 g, 0.10 mol, Aldrich) wasadded as a solid, and the mixture was stirred. One drop of sulfuric acidwas added, and the slurry was stirred at about 35° C. for approximately30 hours after which time a clear liquid resulted. NMR test indicatescomplete conversion of the lactide. The resultant product was palmityllactyllactate (C 16 LL).

Example 12 Preparation of Oleyl Lactyllactate

Oleyl alcohol (26.7 g, 0.10 mol, HD Ocenol® 90/95V, Cognis) was chargedto a nitrogen flushed flask. L-lactide (14.4 g, 0.10 mol, Aldrich) wasadded as a solid, and the mixture is stirred. Two drops of sulfuric acidwas added, and the slurry was stirred at about 50° C. for approximately20 hours after which time a clear liquid resulted. NMR test indicatedcomplete conversion of the lactide. The resultant product was oleyllactyllactate (C18 (oleyl) LL).

Example 13 Preparation of Isostearyl Lactyllactate

Isostearyl alcohol (13.1 g, 0.05 mol, Jarchem Industries, Inc., Newark,N.J.) was charged to a nitrogen flushed flask. L-lactide (7.5 g, 0.05mol, Aldrich) was added as a solid, and the mixture was stirred. Onedrop of sulfuric acid was added, and the slurry stirred at about 50° C.for approximately 16 hours after which time a clear liquid resulted. NMRtest indicated complete conversion of lactide. The resultant product wasisostearyl lactyllactate (C18 (isostearyl) LL).

Example 14 Softness and Moisturization Performance Tests of Compositionsof Different Total Actives

A series of five body wash compositions were prepared. The controlcomposition contained 12% by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% byweight active CAPB (HCG) (4:1 ratio). The other four body washcompositions contained SLES-2 and the C12 LL of the present technologyin an active weight ratio of 14:1. The amounts of total actives in thefour compositions are 15%, 14%, 13%, and 12% by weight, respectively.

Softness and moisturization performance of each composition was testedusing the skin feel test method as described above. The relative resultsof a three-panelist test as compared to the control composition areshown in FIG. 8.

The results show that the compositions based on CS-230 and C12 LL in a14:1 ratio and containing total actives in the amount of 15%, 14%, and13% all exhibited better softness and moisturization performance andhigher foaming (i.e., foam height) than the CS-230/HCG (control)composition (which contains a total of 15% actives in a 4:1 ratio). Thecomposition of the present technology that contained a total of 12%active of CS-230 and C12 LL in a 14:1 ratio showed comparable softnessand moisturization performance and higher foaming as compared to theCS-230/HCG (control) composition. The results illustrate that a reducedamount of C12 LL is required to achieve comparable softness,moisturization, and foam height than when CAPB is used. The results alsoshow that a lesser amount of total actives is needed for a body washcomposition in order to achieve a performance comparable to that of acomposition based on SLES-2 and CAPB. This can reduce cost, lower weightof a final product, and make the body wash product of the presenttechnology more environmentally friendly.

Example 15 Comparative Viscosity Salt Response Tests for CompositionsUsing Lauryl Lactyllactate or Cocamidopropyl Betaine as SecondarySurfactants

A series of five body compositions (5) were formulated. Two of thecompositions contained 12% by weight active of SLES-2 (CS-230) as theprimary surfactant and 3% by weight active of CAPB or C12 LL as thesecondary surfactant (4:1 ratio). Two other compositions contained 14%by weight active of SLES-2 and 1% by weight active of CAPB or C12 LL(14:1 ratio). The last composition contained 15% by weight active ofSLES-2 and no secondary surfactant.

Viscosity salt responses of these compositions were tested according tothe viscosity salt response test method as describe above, and theresults are shown in FIG. 9.

The results show that when no secondary surfactant was used, theviscosity of the 15% active composition of SLES-2 remained almost waterthin (i.e., having a viscosity similar to water and is about 1 cps at25° C.) even when 2.5% by weight of NaCl electrolyte was used. Thecompositions containing CAPB or C12 LL secondary surfactant, on theother hand, built up viscosity in the presence of a proper amount ofNaCl electrolyte. The results also show that the composition based onSLES-2 and C12 LL at a 4:1 ratio had higher viscosity values than theSLES-2/CAPB compositions of the same ratio at lower concentrations ofNaCl, while the composition based on SLES-2 and C12 LL at a 14:1 ratiohad higher viscosity values than the SLES-2/CAPB compositions of thesame ratio at low or higher concentrations of NaCl. Therefore, as shownin FIG. 9, if the desired viscosity of a body wash composition is lowerthan 15000 cps, a much lower amount of NaCl is needed for a compositionbased on SLES-2 and C12 LL, in order to reach the desired viscosity, incomparison to a composition based on SLES-2 and CAPB. By reducing thesalt utilized to produce the compositions of the technology, thecorrosivity of such compositions are also reduced, thus leading to, atleast, easier product handling and longer equipment life.

In addition, the results unexpectedly show that the compositioncontaining 1% by weight active of C12 LL and 14% by weight active ofSLES-2 had higher or compatible viscosity values as compared to thecomposition containing 3% by weight active of CAPB and 12% by weightactive of SLES-2, when the amount of NaCl used was 1.75% or higher.Therefore, when the desired viscosity of the composition of a body washcomposition is higher than 15000 cps, a lower amount of the secondarysurfactant is needed to reach the desired viscosity using the sameamount of NaCl when the secondary surfactant used is C 12 LL rather thanCAPB.

Example 16 Hand Foaming and Skin Feel Tests of Soap Bars

In this example, three soap bar samples were tested. Sample A (control)was a re-stamped commercially available soap bar. Sample B was acommercial soap bar re-processed with 2% by weight of lauryllactyllactate (L3) and restamped. Sample C was made from scratch using80/20 tallow/coco soap base, 2% palm stearin free fatty acid (FFA), 4%betaine, 2% L3, and 2% a mixture of sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate anddisodium 2-sulfolaurate (commercially available from Stepan Company asALPHA-STEP® BSS-45). Compared to the commercially available soap bar(Sample A), Sample C contains 2% palm stearin FFA instead of 5-6% foundin Sample A and contains 2% L3.

Hand foaming and skin feel tests of each composition were conductedusing the skin feel test method as described above. The variouscomparative hand foaming results are shown in FIGS. 10-12, and thevarious comparative skin feel results are shown in FIGS. 13-14.

In FIG. 13, “rinsability” means the ability of the product to be easilyremoved after application; “wet feel” means the ability of the productto leave squeaky clean, clean or substantive after feel; “tackiness”means the perception of stickiness on skin during wet or dry transition;“tightness” means the extent of pulling on the skin after drying;“dryness” means the extent the skin feels dehydrated with flaking andscaling; and “softness” means a pleasant silky feel on the skin.

The results show that adding L3 to a commercial soap bar deliveredsignificant improvement in foaming performance and some improvement(i.e, directional improvement) in most skin feel attributes. It wasfound that L3 did not affect the rinsability and wet feel properties ofthe commercial soap bar. Also, the reduced concentration of FFA inSample C did not negatively impact the physical properties of the bar.Further, during processing of Sample C, it was observed that L3 improvedthe plasticity of the bar, which suggests a positive impact onpreventing the bar from cracking.

Example 17 Comparative Viscosity Salt Response and Hand Foam Studies ofDifferent Primary Surfactants

Three body wash compositions comprising three different primarysurfactants, and lauryl lactyllactate (L3) of the present technology assecondary surfactant in a 14:1 active ratio, were formulated. Theformulations of the three compositions are shown in the table below.

TABLE 2 Compositions Containing Different Primary SurfactantsIngredients Wt. % Active Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate 14.0 Sodium LaurylSulfate 14.0 Sodium Coco-Sulfate 14.0 Lauryl Lactyllactate 1.0 1.0 1.0Water (deionized) 45.0 50.0 85.0 Citric Acid Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. AppearanceClear Clear Clear pH 5.8 5.8 5.7

A composition containing 12% by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% byweight active CAPB (HCG) (4:1 ratio) was used as a control. Threecomparative compositions containing CAPB (HCG) as the secondarysurfactant in lieu of L3, but otherwise having identical formulations asthose shown in Table 2, were also prepared.

Hand foaming tests of the three compositions of the present technologywere first conducted against the CS-230/HCG (control) composition usingthe skin feel test method as described above. The comparative handfoaming results are recorded in FIG. 15. The three compositions of thepresent technology were then studied relative to their respectivecomparative composition using the skin feel test method as describedabove. The hand foaming results are shown in FIG. 16.

The results show that the three compositions containing SLES-2, SLS, orSCS (DCFAS) as primary surfactant and L3 as secondary surfactant allexhibited better hand foam performance than the CS-230/HCG (control)composition. The compositions containing 14.0% by weight active SLES-2or SLS and 1.0% by weight active L3 had better hand foam performancethan the respective comparative composition containing 14% by weightactive SLES-2 or SLS and 1.0% by weight active HCG.

Viscosity salt responses of the compositions of the present technologyusing L3 as the secondary surfactant, and the comparative compositionsusing HCG (a betaine) as the secondary surfactant, were tested accordingto the viscosity salt response test method as describe above. Theresults are shown in FIG. 17.

Example 18 Comparative Hand Foaming Studies of Compositions ContainingDifferent Secondary Surfactants

In this example, a series of six (6) compositions were prepared for handwash foaming tests. The formulations of the 6 compositions were asfollows:

1. CS-230/HCG (control): containing 12% by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230)and 3% by weight active CAPB (HCG) (4:1 ratio);2. CS-230/L3,12% active: containing 12% by weight total active of CS-230and L3 in a 14:1 ratio;3. CS-230/L3, 15% active: containing 14% by weight active CS-230 and 1%by weight active L3 (14:1 ratio);4. CS-230/Amide: containing 14% by weight active CS-230 and 1% by weightactive COMF (cocamide monoethanolamide) (14:1 ratio);5. CS-230/Amphoacetate: containing 14% by weight active CS-230 and 1% byweight active sodium lauryl amphoacetate (“am”) (14:1 ratio);6. CS-230/Sulfosuccinate: containing 14% by weight active CS-230 and 1%by weight active sodium lauryl sulfosuccinate (“ss”) (14:1 ratio).

Hand foaming tests of the 6 compositions were conducted using the skinfeel test method (also called hand wash test method) as described above.The comparative hand foaming results are recorded in FIG. 18.

The results show that L3 of the presently described technology hadsubstantially better hand foaming performance than HCG, amphoacetate andsulfosuccinate when they are used to formulate body wash compositions.

Example 19 Comparative Hand Foaming Studies of Compositions ContainingHCG, L3 Amphoacetate, and/or Sulfosuccinate

In this example, a series of six (6) compositions were prepared for handwash foaming tests. The formulations of the 6 compositions were asfollows:

1. CS/HCG (control): containing 12% by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230) and3% by weight active CAPB (HCG) (4:1 ratio);2. CS/L3 (4:1): containing 12% by weight active CS-230 and 3% by weightactive L3 (4:1 ratio);3. CS/L3 (14:1): containing 14% by weight active CS-230 and 1% by weightactive L3 (14:1 ratio);4. CS/HCG/L3: containing 12% by weight active CS-230 and 3% by weightactive a secondary surfactant (4:1 ratio), wherein the secondarysurfactant comprises HCG and L3 in a 1:1 ratio;5. CS/HCG/am: containing 12% by weight active CS-230 and 3% by weightactive a secondary surfactant (4:1 ratio), wherein the secondarysurfactant comprises HCG and sodium lauryl amphoacetate (“am”) in a 1:1ratio;6. CS/HCG/ss: containing 12% by weight active CS-230 and 3% by weightactive a secondary surfactant (4:1 ratio), wherein the secondarysurfactant comprises HCG and sodium lauryl sulfosuccinate (“ss”) in a1:1 ratio.

Hand foaming tests of the 6 compositions were conducted using the skinfeel test method as described above. The comparative hand foamingresults based on three panelists are shown in FIG. 19.

The results show that L3 of the presently described technology hadbetter hand foaming performance than HCG, amphoacetate, orsulfosuccinate, when used alone or in combination with HCG.

Example 20 Comparative Hand Foaming Studies of Body Wash CompositionsContaining HCG, L3 and/or Amphoacetate

In this example, a series of four (4) compositions were prepared forhand wash foaming tests. The formulations of the 6 compositions were asfollows:

1. CS-230/HCG (control): containing 12% by weight active SLES-2 (CS-230)and 3% by weight active CAPB (HCG) (4:1 ratio);2. CS-230/L3: containing 12% by weight active CS-230 and 3% by weightactive L3 (4:1 ratio);3. CS-230/HCG/Amphoacetate: containing 12% by weight active CS-230 and3% by weight active a secondary surfactant (4:1 ratio), wherein thesecondary surfactant comprises HCG and sodium lauryl amphoacetate in a1:1 ratio; and4. CS-230/L3/Amphoacetate: containing 12% by weight active CS-230 and 3%by weight active a secondary surfactant (4:1 ratio), wherein thesecondary surfactant comprises L3 and sodium lauryl amphoacetate in a1:1 ratio.

Hand foaming tests of the 4 compositions were conducted using the skinfeel test method (also called hand washing test method) as describedabove. The comparative hand foaming results are shown in FIG. 20.

The results show that L3 of the presently described technology hadsubstantially better hand foaming performance than HCG, when used alone.The results also show that when used in combination with amphoacetate ina 1:1 ratio, the L3 of the present technology still had substantiallybetter hand foaming performance than HCG used in combination withamphoacetate in a 1:1 ratio.

Example 21 Preparation of Soap Bar Formulation Comprising LLL

Two syndet soap bars with the formulations shown in Table 3 wereprepared using the following procedure: (1) weighing out all listedcomponents, and amalgamating them in a one-gallon pail to form amixture; (2) homogenizing the mixture in a 3-roll mill; (3) transferringthe blend to a lab sigma plodder under a full control of the barreltemperature with cold water between about 30° C. to about 35° C. toremove heat generate from the extrusion pressure; (4) heating the headcone jacket to about 45° C. to facilitate the extrusion through thecone; and (5) cutting and stamping the extrudant into soap bars.

TABLE 3 Syndet Soap Bar Formulation SS-1 SS-2 Weight % Weight % SodiumCocoyl Isethionate 50.00 50.00 Stearic Acid 26.00 26.00 SodiumTallow/Coco 80/20 Soap 12.00 10.00 Sodium Isethionate 5.00 5.00Additives (Fragrance, TiO₂, and 1.5 1.5 preservatives) LaurylLactyllactate (L3) 0.5 2.5 Water 5.00 5.00 Total 100.00 100.00

Two combo soap bars with the formulations shown in Table 4 were preparedusing the following procedure: (1) roll-milling tallow/coco soap drypellets; (2) blending in glycerine, fatty acids, L3, ALPHA-STEP® BSS-45until uniform using a hydrofoil impeller at 300 ppm; (3) weighing outadditive components; (4) amalgamating all components in a one-gallonpail to form a soap blend; (5) roll-milling the soap blend accompaniedby testing moisture using Karl Fisher; (6) adjusting moisture to 12% ifnecessary while roll-milling; and (7) extruding and stamping theextrudant into soap bars.

TABLE 4 Combo Soap Bar Formulation CS-1 CS-2 Weight % Weight % SodiumTallow/Coconut 80/20 Soap pellets 73.3 78.3 Palm Stearine Fatty Acids6.0 0.0 Stearic/Coconut Fatty Acid blend 0.0 6.0 Alpha Step ® BSS-45^(a)4.0 0.0 Lauryl Lactyllactate (L3) 2.0 1.0 Glycerine 1.0 1.0 NaCl 0.3 0.3Additives (Fragrance, TiO₂ and preservatives) 1.4 1.4 Water 12.00 12.0Total 100.00 100.00 ^(a)This is an alpha sulfonated alkylester/sulfonated fatty acid SME/SFA blend.

The overall observation of the performance of the four soap bars is thatLauryl Lactyllactate, which is available from Stepan Company asSTEPAN-MILD® L3, improved skin feel, foaming, and plasticity in bothsyndet and combo bars compared to commercial soap bars that containedbetaine.

Example 22 Preparation of a Series of Wash Compositions with DifferentAmounts of Salicylic Acid

A self-foaming wash with 0.5% salicylic acid, a regular wash with 1.0%salicylic acid, and a gel wash with 2.0% salicylic acid were prepared inthis example according to the formulations shown in Table 5. The mixingprocedure includes steps as set forth below.

In a suitable vessel equipped with heating and agitation capabilities,Deionized (D.I.) water, propylene glycol, and BIO-TERGE® AS-40 CG-P werecharged. The charged materials were heated to 45-50° C. with mixing.STEPAN-MILD® L3 was added into the mixture with agitation. The mixturewas kept at 45-50° C. with agitation until completely clear. SalicylicAcid was then added with agitation until completely clear and everythingwas dissolved, while maintaining the temperature at about 45° C. toabout 50° C. The composition was cooled to room temperature withagitation. The pH of the composition was then adjusted to the desiredvalue (about 5) with sodium hydroxide, and the viscosity was adjustedwith sodium chloride.

TABLE 5 Self-Foaming Wash Regular Wash Gel Wash Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % D.I.Water q.s. to 100.0 q.s. to 100.0 q.s. to 100.0 Propylene Glycol 2.002.00 2.00 BIO-TERGE ® AS-40 26.00  26.00 CG-P (39.7% active sodiumC14-16 olefin sulfonate) STEOL ® CS-230 58.03 (25.85% active sodiumlaureth sulfate) STEPAN-MILD ® L3 2.00 2.00 2.00 Salicylic Acid 0.501.00 2.00 STEPAN ® PEG 0.60 1.50 6000 DS Sodium Hydroxide q.s. pH q.s.pH q.s. pH Sodium Chloride q.s. viscosity 0.50 0.50 pH 4.3-4.6 4.3-4.64.3-4.6 Viscosity @ 25° C., Water thin 7000 13,400 cps Appearance Lightyellow, Light yellow, Light yellow, clear liquid viscous viscous clearliquid clear liquid

Example 23 Preparation of an All Natural Body Wash and a Clear Body Wash

Two body washes with formulations as shown in Table 6 below are preparedin this example using procedures described herein. Into a suitablevessel equipped with mixing, heating and cooling capabilities, D.I.water, STEPANOL® WA-Extra, STEPAN-MILD® SLL-FB and STEPAN-MILD® L3 areadded and mixed. The mixture is heated to about 130-135° F. When thereaction solution is clear, it is allowed to cool to room temperature.During the cooling process, flax extract is added at about 90° F., andmixed well. Preservatives, fragrance and dye are added, if desired, andmixed well. The viscosity can be adjusted with sodium chloride ifdesired, and the pH can be adjusted with sodium hydroxide or citric acidif necessary.

The two body wash compositions prepared are an all natural body wash anda clear body wash, respectively. By “all natural,” it means that allingredients in the composition are derived from natural materials.

TABLE 6 All Natural Clear Body Wash Body Wash Wt. % Active Wt. % ActiveD.I. Water q.s. to 100.0 q.s. to 100.0 STEPANOL ® WA-Extra 10.0  (SodiumLauryl Sulfate) STEPAN-MILD ® SLL-FB 2.0 (Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate)STEOL ® CS-230 14.0  (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) STEPAN-MILD ® L3 1.0 1.0(Lauryl Lactyllactate) Flax Extract 120  0.50 SilPlex J-2S (SiliconeQuaternium-20) 1.0 Glycerin 0.8 Preservative, dye, fragrance q.s. q.s.Sodium Chloride q.s. q.s. Sodium Hydroxide q.s. q.s. Citric Acid q.s.q.s.

Example 24 Preparation of a Skin Lotion

A skin lotion with a formulation shown in Table 7 below is prepared inthis example using a procedure similar to the one described below.

Prepare water phase: D.I. Water and BRIJ® 78 are charged into a vessel,and mixed well to form a water phase mixture. The water phase mixture isheated to about 170-175° F. Prepare Oil phase: In a separate container,STEPAN-MILD® L3, IPP, cetyl alcohol and GMS are added and mixed to forman oil phase mixture. The oil phase mixture is heated to about 170-175°F. With increased agitation of the water phase, the oil phase is slowlyadded into the water phase. The resulting mixture is allowed to emulsifyfor approximately 20-25 minutes, and then is allowed to cool to about80° F. Any preservative, color, or dye can be slowly added, if desired.The pH of the resulting composition can be adjusted with citric acid orsodium hydroxide to a desired value.

TABLE 7 Wt. % Active D.I. Water q.s. to 100.0 BRIJ ® 78 Steareth-20(Unichema) 1.0 STEPAN-MILD ® L3 3.0 (Lauryl Lactyllactate) IPP 10.0 Cetyl Alcohol 3.0 STEPAN ® GMS PURE 2.0 (Glycerol Monostearate)Preservative, dye, fragrance q.s. Sodium Hydroxide q.s. Citric Acid q.s.

Example 25 Preparation of a Solid Antiperspirant

A solid antiperspirant with a formulation shown in Table 8 below isprepared in this example using the following procedure: The ingredients245 Fluid, Lanette 18 Deo, Ozokerite Wax, and Castor Oil Wax MP-80 arecombined in a suitable vessel, mixed and heated to about 70° C. When allof the ingredients are melted, Talc and Reach AZP are added and mixedwell for approximately 20 minutes. The mixture is then cooled to about45° C., then poured into containers and allowed to cool to ambienttemperature.

TABLE 8 Wt. Ingredients % Active Dow Corning 245 Fluid (Dow Corning)Cyclopentasiloxane) 40.5 STEPAN-MILD ® L3 (Lauryl Lactyllactate) 10.0Lanette 18 Deo (Henkel) Stearyl Alcohol 15.0 Ozokerite Wax (Strahl &Pitsch Inc.) Ozokerite Wax 5.0 Castor Wax MP-80 (CasChem) HydrogenatedCastor Oil 1.5 Talc, USP, Bacteria Controlled 1745 (Whittaker, 8.0 Clark& Daniels) Reach AZP 701 (Reheis) Aluminum Zirconium 20.0Tetrachlorohydrex GLY

Example 26 Foaming and Detergency Performance Tests for DetergentCompositions Using Alkyl Lactyllactates as Secondary Surfactants

The foaming performance of L3 as a component in detergent formulationsis expected to show that the incorporation of L3 results in foamingperformance that is comparable or better than in control formulations.One formulation for a heavy duty detergent incorporating L3 is shown inTable 9 below.

TABLE 9 Ingredient Actives (wt. %) D.I. Water 71.74 NABIOSOFT ®S-101(31.6% active dodecylbenzene 5.60 sulfonate) L3 1.00 STEPANATE ®SXS (41% active Sodium 0.93 Xylene Sulfonate TEA 99% 0.93 NEODOL ® 25-716.80 Oleic Acid 2.00 Sodium Carbonate 1.00 Total 100.00

Based upon the results and the attributes of the alkyl lactyllactatecompositions of the present technology, it is believed that L3 can beincorporated into detergent formulations, such as, for example, heavyduty detergents, as a secondary surfactant in lieu of, or in additionto, anionic surfactants. It is also believed that incorporating L3 withdifferent anionic surfactants in detergent formulations will result insynergistic improvements in cleaning performance.

Example 27 Performance Tests for Detergent Compositions Using AlkylLactyllactates as Secondary Surfactants

A series of five light duty liquid dish detergent formulations wereprepared, each of which contained 17.51% by weight active sodiumalkylbenzene sulfonate, 8.17% by weight active methyl ester sulfonate,4.32% by weight active alkyl ether sulfate, and 3% by weight active of asecondary surfactant (10:1 ratio). The secondary surfactants were (1)NINOL® 40-CO (Control), (2) AMMONYX® LMDO (Control), (3) STEPAN-MILD®L3, (4) a blend of NINOL® 40-CO and STEPAN-MILD® L3, and (5) a blend ofAMMONYX® LMDO and STEPAN-MILD® L3.

All of the formulations were clear at room temperature. The viscosityresults of each formulation are shown in Table 10 below.

TABLE 10 Viscosity in Sample Number Secondary Surfactant Formulation 1NINOL ® 40-CO 590 cps 2 AMMONYX ® LMDO 1,225 cps   3 STEPAN-MILD ® L3570 cps 4 NINOL ® 40-CO & STEPAN- 650 cps MILD ® L3 5 AMMONYX ® LMDO &850 cps STEPAN-MILD L3

The mixer foam test results are shown in Table 11 below.

TABLE 11 Sample Test Soil (g) Average 1 1 1.63 1.73 (NINOL ® 40-CO) 21.82 2 1 1.88 1.98 (AMMONYX ® LMDO) 2 2.08 3 1 1.65 1.66 (STEPAN-MILD ®L3) 2 1.67 4 1 1.67 1.72 (40-CO & L3) 2 1.77 5 1 1.63 1.67 (LMDO & L3) 21.71

The experimental error of the mixer foam test is estimated to be +/−0.2g. The samples containing STEPAN-MILD® L3 performed as well as thecontrol formulations.

The Baumgartner test results are shown in Table 12 below.

TABLE 12 Grams Soil % Soil Sample Slide # Removed Removed Average 1 10.1084 44.41% 41.88% (NINOL ® 40-CO) 2 0.1082 41.06% 3 0.0985 40.15% 2 10.1044 41.15% 40.22% (AMMONYX ® LMDO) 2 0.0987 40.27% 3 0.1008 39.24% 31 0.0584 23.05% 23.06% (STEPAN-MILD ® L3) 2 0.0602 23.30% 3 0.059522.83% 4 1 0.0764 29.79% 30.25% (L3 & 40-CO) 2 0.0804 31.35% 3 0.078229.61% 5 1 0.0796 31.80% 30.96% (L3 & LMDO) 2 0.0771 29.27% 3 0.078831.80%

The experimental error for the Baumgartner test is approximately +/−5.0%grease removal. Although the results of all of the samples containingSTEPAN-MILD® L3 were lower than those of the LMDO and 40-CO controls,the test result of the sample containing the L3 and LMDO blend waswithin experimental error as compared to those of the controls.

The Mini-Plate test results are shown in Table 13 below.

TABLE 13 Sample Test Mini-Plates Average 1 1 9 8.5 (NINOL ® 40-CO) 2 8 21 12 10.0 (AMMONYX ® LMDO) 2 9 3 9 3 1 9 9.0 (STEPAN-MILD ® L3) 2 9 4 19 9.0 (40-CO & L3) 2 9 5 1 10 10.0 (LMDO & L3) 2 10

The experimental error of the Mini-Plate test is +/−1 mini-plate. Forpurposes of comparison, it should be noted that this type of test issometimes reported in “plates” instead of “mini-plates”, and that onemini-plate equals three plates. In this testing, the samples containingSTEPAN-MILD® L3 performed as well as the controls.

The Shake Foam Test results are shown in Table 14 below.

TABLE 14 Without Soil With Soil Sample Sample # 1 2 Average Initial 5Minute Average 1 Initial 310 320 315 265 265 265 5 Minute 310 320 315260 260 260 2 Initial 450 480 465 300 300 300 5 Minute 450 480 465 300300 300 3 Initial 420 415 417.5 300 290 295 5 Minute 420 410 415 300 290295 4 Initial 390 380 385 275 250 262.5 5 Minute 380 370 375 275 250262.5 5 Initial >500 >500 >500 285 280 282.5 5 Minute >500 >500 >500 285280 282.5

The experimental error of this test is approximately +/−20 ml. All ofthe results “With Soil” were equal. It should be noted that the 50:50blend of L3:LMDO exhibited some synergy based on the extremely highshake foam results with no soil.

Example 28 Preparation of Roll-on Anti-Perspirant

A roll-on antiperspirant formulation shown in Table 15 is prepared usinga procedure described as follows: Deionized Water and Aluminum Chlorideare combined and heated to about 150° F.-155° F. with moderateagitation. At about 150° F. to about 155° F., BRIJ 72, BRIJ 78, andSTEPAN-MILD® L3 are added with increased agitation. “Chiral L3/MesoL3/mixture of L2/L3” in Table 15 and other tables means that the L3 usedcan be a chiral L3 made from L-lactide or D-lactide, a racemic L-3 madefrom meso-lactide, a mixture of L2 and L3 made from a lactic acidprocess, for example, or a mixture thereof.

The mixture of the ingredients is continually heated to about 160° F. toabout 165° F., and held within the temperature range for approximately15 minutes. The mixture is then cooled to room temperature. At roomtemperature, preservatives and fragrance are added. The pH of theproduct can be adjusted with citric acid or sodium hydroxide to 3.5-4.0,if necessary.

TABLE 15 Ingredients Wt. % Active Aluminum Chlorohydrate, 50% solution40.0  BRIJ 78 (Uniqema) Steareth-20 0.6 BRIJ 72 (Steareth-2) 1.8STEPAN-MILD ® L3 (Chiral L3/Meso L3/mixture 3.0 of L2/L3) Preservative,Fragrance q.s. Citric Acid, 50% solution q.s. Sodium Hydroxide, 50%solution q.s.

Example 29 Preparation of UA/UVB Protective Lotion

A protective lotion with a formulation shown in Table 16 is preparedusing a procedure described as follows: A water phase is prepared bycharging a vessel with deionized water and BRIJ 78. The mixture is mixedand heated to about 170° F.-175° F. An oil phase is prepared in aseparate container by combining STEPAN-MILD® L3, cetyl alcohol, andHALLSTAR® GMS PURE. Sunscreen agent (PARSOL MCX, ESCALOL 587, PARSOL1789, ESCALOL 567) is added to the oil phase, which is then heated toabout 170° F.-175° F. Agitation of the water phase is increased, and theoil phase is slowly added into the water phase. The mixture isemulsified for approximately 20-25 minutes, and allowed to cool to about80° F. Preservative, dye, and fragrance are added, if desired. The pH isadjusted with citric acid or sodium hydroxide to about 5.5-6.5.

TABLE 16 Ingredients Wt. % Active Deionized Water q.s. to 100.0 BRIJ 78(Uniqema) Steareth-20 1.0 STEPAN-MILD ® L3 (Chiral L3/Meso L3/mixture10.0  of L2/L3) Lipocol C (Lipo) Cetyl Alcohol 3.0 HALLSTAR ® GMS PURE2.0 PARSOL MCX (Givaudan-Roure) 7.5 Ethylhexyl-p-MethoxycinnamateESCALOL 587 (ISP) Octyl Salicylate 5.0 PARSOL 1789 (Roche) Avobenzone2.0 ESCALOL 567 (ISP) Benzophenone-3 3.0 Preservative, Dye, Fragranceq.s Citric Acid q.s. Sodium Hydroxide q.s.

Example 30 Preparation of Sunscreen W/O Lotion with Titanium Dioxide

A sunscreen with a formulation shown in Table 17 below is prepared usinga procedure described as follows: A water phase is prepared by mixingdeionized water and STEPANQUAT™ ML. An oil phase is prepared bycombining Silicone DC-345, STEPAN-MILD® L3, ABIL EM-90, MT-100T, andSALCARE SC-95. The water phase is then added into the oil phase, andmixed well for approximately 15-20 minutes. Preservative, dye, andfragrance are then added, and mixed in a homogenizer for approximately3-5 minutes at 5000 rpm.

TABLE 17 Ingredients Wt. % Active Deionized Water q.s. to 100STEPANQUAT ™ ML 2.0 Silicone DC-345 (Dow Coming) Cyclomethicone 10.0 STEPAN-MILD ® L3 (Chiral L3/Meso L3/mixture 10.0  of L2/L3) ABIL EM-90(Goldschmidt) Cetyl Dimethicone 1.0 Copolyol MT-100T (Tri-K) TitaniumDioxide and Aluminum 8.0 Hydroxide and Stearic Acid SALCARE SC-95 (Ciba)Polyquaternium-37 + Mineral 2.0 Oil + PPG-1 Trideceth-6 Preservative,Dye, Fragrance q.s.

Example 31 Preparation of Sunless Tanning Lotion

A tanning lotion with a formulation shown in Table 18 is prepared usinga procedure described as follows. A water phase is prepared by mixingdeionized water and glycerin. The water phase is heated to about 160° F.An oil phase is prepared by mixing BRIJ 78, STEPAN-MILD® L3, HALLSTAR®GMS PURE, Lipocol C (Lipo) cetyl alcohol, and WECOBEE® S. The oil phaseis heated to about 165° F., which is then added to the water phase withincreased agitation at about 165° F. for approximately 20-25 minutes.The mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature. During the cooling,glydant is added at 120° F. Dihydroxyacetone, which is premixed withwater, is added at 95° F. The mixture is mixed well, then its pH isadjusted to about 5.5-6.0.

TABLE 18 Ingredients % Active Deionized Water q.s. to 100 Glycerin 3.5BRIJ 78 (Uniqema) Steareth-20 0.4 STEPAN-MILD ® L3 (Chiral L3/MesoL3/mixture 10.0 of L2/L3) HALLSTAR ® GMS PURE 3.0 Lipocol C (Lipo) CetylAlcohol 2.0 WECOBEE ® S (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) 2.5 DOW CORNING 200Fluid, 350 cps (Dow Corning) 1.0 Dimethicone Glydant (Lonza) DMDMHydantoin 0.25 Dihydroxyacetone (EMD) 3.5

Example 32 Preparation of Skin Lotion with Antioxidants

A skin lotion with a formulation shown in Table 19 is prepared using aprocedure described as follows: A water phase is prepared by mixingdeionized water and BRIJ 78 in a vessel, which is heated to about 170°F.-175° F. An oil phase is prepared in a separate container by combiningSTEPAN-MILD® L3, cetyl alcohol, and HALLSTAR® GMS PURE. The oil phase isheated to about 170° F.-175° F. With increased agitation of the waterphase, the oil phase is slowly added into the water phase. The mixtureis emulsified for approximately 20-25 minutes, and allowed to cool to80° F. Vitamin A palmitate and Vitamin E Acetate are then addedPreservative, color, and dye can be added, if desired. The pH of themixture can be adjusted with citric acid or sodium hydroxide to about pH5.5-6.5.

TABLE 19 Ingredients % Active Deionized Water q.s. to 100 BRIJ 78(Uniqema) Steareth-20 1.0 STEPAN-MILD ® L3 (Chiral L3/Meso L3/mixture ofL2/L3) 10.0  Lipocol C (Lipo) Cetyl Alcohol 3.0 HALLSTAR ® GMS PURE 2.0Vitamin A Palmitate 0.1-25 Vitamin E Acetate 0.1-25 Preservative, Color,Dye q.s. Citric Acid q.s. Sodium Hydroxide q.s.

Example 33 Preparation of Hair Conditioner

A hair conditioner with a formulation shown in Table 20 below isprepared using a procedure described as follows: Deionized water andLexamine S-13 are added into a suitable vessel equipped with heating,cooling, and mixing capabilities. The mixture was heated to about 155°F.-160° F. (62° C.-72° C.). AMMONYX® 4, AMMONYX® CETAC, and cetylalcohol are added into the mixture. The mixture is emulsified for about30 minutes, and allowed to cool to about 120° F. to about 125° F. (48°C.-52° C.). Potassium chloride dissolved in water is added into themixture followed by the addition of STEPAN-MILD® L3. The pH of themixture is adjusted to about 3.5-4.5 with citric acid or sodiumhydroxide, if necessary. Preservative, color, and fragrance are added,if desired, and the mixture is cooled to room temperature.

TABLE 20 Ingredients % Active Deionized Water q.s. to 100 Lexamine S-13(Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine) 0.15 AMMONYX ® 4 (StearalkoniumChloride) 5.55 AMMONYX ® CETAC (Cetrimonium Chloride) 3.85 Lipocol C(Lipo) Cetyl Alcohol 3.0 Potassium Chloride 0.3 STEPAN-MILD ® L3 (ChiralL3/Meso L3/mixture of L2/L3) 2.0 Citric Acid, 50% solution q.s. SodiumHydroxide, 50% solution q.s. Fragrance, Dye, Preservative q.s.

Example 34 Preparation of Shampoo

A shampoo with a formulation shown in Table 21 is prepared using aprocedure described as follows: Polyquaternium-10 is incorporated intodeionized water, followed by the addition of STEPANOL® AM, STEPANOL® WA,HALLSTAR® EGAS, and STEPAN-MILD® L3. The mixture is heated to about 160°F. to about 165° F., and held at this temperature for approximately20-25 minutes. The mixture is then allowed to cool to room temperature.During the cooling, glycerin and SILPLEX J-2S are added at 100° F., andmixed well. Preservative, fragrance, and dye are added at roomtemperature. The pH of the mixture is adjusted with citric acid orsodium hydroxide to about pH 5.5-6.5, and the viscosity of the mixtureis adjusted with ammonium chloride to a desired viscosity in the rangeof from about 5,000 to about 11,000 cps, more preferably, from about8,000 to about 10,000 cps.

TABLE 21 Ingredients % Active Deionized Water q.s. to 100 UCare JB-400Amerchol (Polyquaternium-10)  0.15 STEPANOL ® AM (Ammonium LaurylSulfate) 7.0 STEPANOL ® WA (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) 6.0 STEPAN-MILD ® L3(Chiral L3/Meso L3/mixture of L2/L3) 2.0 HALLSTAR ® EGAS (GlycolStearate/Stearamide AMP) 0.5 Glycerin 0.5 SILPLEX J-2S (SiliconeQuaternium) 0.5 Fragrance, Dye, Preservative q.s. Citric Acid, 50%solution q.s. Sodium Hydroxide, 50% solution q.s. Ammonium Chloride q.s.

Example 35 Preparation of a Lauryl Lactyllactate Product from LacticAcid

About 169 g (1.6 mol) lactic acid, 47 mL (0.2 mol) C12-14 fatty alcohol,and 5 g (2.4% on total mass) pTSA were placed into a 500 mL four-neckflask equipped with overhead mechanical stirrer, N₂ inlet and outlet,thermocouple/temp controller/heating mantel, and condenser fitted with aDean-Stark trap. The reaction mixture was stirred and heated to 185° C.After stirring at this temperature for approximately 4 hours, over whichtime 50 mL of water was collected, the reaction was allowed to cool anda sample was taken for reaction completion. The mixture was cooled andwashed with brine (3×80 mL) and neutralized with saturated NaHCO₃ (aq).The mixture was dried over Na₂SO4 and filtered.

GC analysis shows that the reaction product contains lauryllactyllactate (L3) and lauryl lactate (L2) in a ratio of about 1:0.7.

Example 36 Study of Surface Properties of Surfactant Blends ContainingLauryl Lactyllactate

The effect of lauryl lactyllactate (L3) to reduce the critical micelleconcentration (CMC) and surface area per molecule of seven commonly usedsurfactants were tested in this example. The L3 tested was availablefrom Stepan Company under the trade name STEPAN-MILD® L3. The sevensurfactants tested are shown in Table 22 below:

TABLE 22 STEOL ® CS-230 Sodium salt of C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl ethoxy sulfate with2 moles ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol STEPANOL ® WA-EXTRA Sodiumsalt of C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl sulfate ALPHA-STEP ® PC-48 average 6:1 ratio ofsodium sulfonted methyl C₁₂-C₁₈ ester (and) disodium sulfonated C₁₂-C₁₈fatty acid BIOTERGE ® PAS-8S Sodium octane sulfonate AMPHOSOL ® HCGCocamidopropyl betaine BIOSOFT ® N91-8 Alcohol ethoxylates based on aC9-11 synthetic alcohol AMMONYX ® CETAC Cetrimonium Chloride

Seven control surfactant compositions (Controls 1-7) containing one ortwo of the seven conventional surfactants only, and nine samplesurfactant compositions (Samples 1A-C and 2-7) containing one or two ofthe conventional surfactants and L3 of the present technology, wereprepared in accordance with the formulations shown in Tables 23A & 23B.The CMC of each surfactant composition was measured with Krüss K12tensiometer (Kruss USA, Matthews, N.C., USA) via automatic titration.The temperature was controlled at 25° C. Surface area per molecule wascalculated according to Gibbs equation. The test results are shown inTables 23A and 23B.

TABLE 23A Surface Properties of Surfactant Blends Containing LaurylLactyllactate Sample Sample Control 1 Sample 1A 1B 1C Control 2 Sample 2Control 3 Sample 3 Act. % Act. % Act. % Act. % Act. % Act. % Act. % Act.% STEOL CS-230 15 14 12 10.91 STEPANOL WA- 15 14.7 EXTRA ALPHA-STEPPC-48 12 10.91 AMPHOSOL HCG 2.73 3 2.73 STEPAN-MILD L3 1 3 1.36 0.3 1.36Water q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s.to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 Appearance Clear Clear liquid Clear ClearClear Clear liquid Clear Clear liquid liquid liquid liquid liquid liquidCMC (mg/L) 171.1 25.8 10 16.9 184.9 47.15 35.1 16 Surface Area per 49.928 27.1 26.3 38.3 24.1 30.1 26.4 Molecule (Å²)

TABLE 23B Surface Properties of Surfactant Blends Containing LaurylLactyllactate Control 4 Sample 4 Control 5 Sample 5 Control 6 Sample 6Control 7 Sample 7 Act. % Act. % Act. % Act. % Act. % Act. % Act. % Act.% BIOTERGE PAS- 15 14 8S AMPHOSOL HCG 15 12 BIOSOFT N91-8 15 14 AMMONYX15 14 CETAC STEPAN-MILD L3 1 3 1 1 Water q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100 q.s. to 100Appearance Clear Clear liquid Clear Clear Clear Clear liquid Clearliquid Clear liquid liquid liquid liquid liquid CMC (mg/L) 10680 33.5715.3 6.6 346 16.6 292 11.1 Surface Area per 41.5 28 28.1 23.59 56.1 38.556.3 21.9 Molecule (Å²)

It was surprisingly found that for each conventional surfactant tested,the surfactant blend comprising lauryl lactyllactate had significantlylower critical micelle concentration (CMC) than the one that did notcontain lauryl lactyllactate. It was also unexpectedly found that lauryllactyllactate effectively reduced the area/molecule in the surfactantblend comprising lauryl lactyllactate. The reduced area/moleculeindicated improved molecular packing of surfactant at the air/waterinterface. The unexpected results demonstrated synergistic properties ofsurfactant blends comprising lauryl lactyllactate.

The efficiency of lauryl lactyllactate in CMC reduction was particularlysurprising. As shown in by Control 4 and Sample 4, the CMC reduction ina blend of L3 and PAS-8S was more than 99% compared to the compositioncontaining only PAS-8S. It was also found that lauryl lactyllactate wascompatible with different kinds of surfactants, including, for example,anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphoteric. Lauryl lactyllactate hasshown the capability of reducing CMC and area/molecule in all thesesurfactant categories. Samples 1A-C and 2-4 demonstrated anionicsurfactant blends. Samples 5-7 demonstrated amphoteric, nonionic andcationic surfactant blends, respectively. The CMC reduction in theseexamples was from about 30% to about 99%. The reduction in area/moleculewas from about 10% to about 60%.

Example 37 Study of Rheological Properties of Fabric SoftenersContaining Lauryl Lactyllactate

The ability of lauryl lactyllactate to be used as a rheological modifierwas studied in this experiment. The control composition contained onlymethyl bis[ethyl (tallowate)]-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate,which is commercially available from Stepan Company as STEPANTEX® VT-90.The two samples of the present technology contains a blend of STEPANTEX®VT-90 and lauryl lactyllactate in the ratios of 4:1 and 3:2,respectively. The viscosities of the three compositions at 20° C., 30°C., and 40° C. were tested, and the results are shown in Table 24 below.

TABLE 24 Rheological Properties of Fabric Softeners Containing LaurylLactyllactate Control Sample 1 Sample 2 Weight % Weight % Weight %STEPANTEX VT-90 100 80 60 (Gross Weight) STEPANTEX VT-90 (Active %) 9072 54 Lauryl lactyllactate 20 40 Total Solids % 90 92 94 Viscosity at20° C. (cps) 43820 9712 7337 Viscosity at 30° C. (cps) 10742 1021 558Viscosity at 40° C. (cps) 1336 440 135

The results shown in Table 24 demonstrated the viscosity reductionproperty of lauryl lactyllactate in fabric softeners. By incorporatinglauryl lactyllactate in a fabric softener, the viscosity of thesurfactant system was significantly reduced.

Example 38 Comparative Viscosity Salt Response and Foaming Studies ofLauryl Lactyllactates of Different Chirality

Three compositions were prepared, each of which contained 12% by weightactive SLES-2 (CS-230) and 3% by weight active of L-lauryl lactyllactatemade from L-lactide (“L3 using L-lactide”), lauryl lactyllactate madefrom a mixture of L-lactide (15%) and meso-lactide (85%) (“L3 usingL/Meso lactide”), or racemic lauryl lactyllactate made from racemiclactide (“L3 using racemic lactide”). No oil was added to thecompositions.

Foaming performance of each composition was tested by the shake foamtest method (also called cylinder inversion test method) as describedabove. The foaming results of the three compositions with no oil (bothinitial and after five minutes) were recorded and shown in FIG. 21.

The results with no oil show that the experimental compositionscomprising L3 using L-lactide or L3 using L/Meso-lactide are comparable,and both have higher foam heights than the composition comprising L3using racemic lactide.

Viscosity salt responses of the three compositions were tested accordingto the viscosity salt response test method as describe above, and theresults are shown in FIG. 22. The results show that L3 using L-lactidehas a better viscosity building property than L3 using L/meso lactide,which in turn is better than L3 using racemic lactide.

Example 39 Comparative Study of the Lactic Acid Process of U.S. Pat. No.3,144,341 and the Lactic Acid Process of the Present Technology

The lactic acid method of U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,341 (the '341 patent) wasreproduced in this example, and was compared to the lactic acid methodof the present technology. According to the description of the '341patent, no catalyst was used, and the equivalent molar ratio of lacticacid to lauryl alcohol was about 2.1:1. Six experiments (Experiments1-6) of the lactic acid method of the present technology were conductedin a process similar to that described in Example 35 above. In each ofthe Experiments 1-5, NAFION, pTSA, methanesulfonic acid, BF₃ etherate,or phosphoric acid was used as the catalyst, and the lactic acid andlauryl alcohol were used in an equivalent molar ratio of about 4:1.Experiment 6 used pTSA as the catalyst, and the lactic acid and laurylalcohol were used in an equivalent molar ratio of about 8:1. The L2 toL3 ratio of each reaction product obtained by GC analysis was shown inTable 25 below.

TABLE 25 Lauryl alcohol Lactic Acid Ratio of Process EquivalentEquivalents Catalyst L2:L3 U.S. Pat. No. 1 2.1 None 2.3:1 3,144,341Experiment 1 1 4 NAFION 1.2:1 Experiment 2 1 4 pTSA 0.9:1 Experiment 3 14 Methanesulfonic 1.1:1 acid Experiment 4 1 4 BF₃ etherate   1:1Experiment 5 1 4 Phosphoric acid 1.3:1 Experiment 6 1 8 pTSA 0.7:1

The results showed that the lactic acid method of the present technologycan provide a product containing a much higher ratio of L3 to L2 ascompared to the product obtained by the method of the '341 patent.

The present technology is now described in such full, clear, concise andexact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which itpertains, to practice the same. It is to be understood that theforegoing describes preferred embodiments of the invention and thatmodifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit orscope of the present technology as set forth in the appended claims.

1. A process for making an alkyl lactyllactate comprising the steps of:providing a mixture comprising lactide, at least one hydroxyl containingcompound, and at least one acid catalyst, wherein no solvent is added tothe mixture; and reacting the lactide and the at least one hydroxylcontaining compound at a temperature within the range of from about 20°C. to about 70° C.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the temperature iswithin the range of from about 40° C. to about 60° C.
 3. The processclaim 1, wherein the at least one acid catalyst is H₂SO₄, HCl,p-toluenesulfonic acid, an ionomer of sulfonated tetrafluoroethylenecopolymer, or a mixture thereof.
 4. The process of claim 1, wherein thelactide is L-lactide, meso-lactide, racemic lactide, or a mixturethereof.
 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the lactide is a mixture ofL-lactide and meso-lactide.
 6. The process of claim 5, wherein themixture comprises from about 15% to about 70% of L-lactide and fromabout 85% to about 30% of meso-lactide, based on the total weight of themixture.
 7. The process of claim 1, wherein the at least one hydroxylcontaining compound comprises at least one primary hydroxyl group. 8.The process of claim 7, wherein the at least one hydroxyl containingcompound is substantially free of secondary and tertiary hydroxylgroups.
 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the at least one hydroxylcontaining compound is a fatty alcohol having from about 6 to about 18carbon atoms.
 10. The process of claim 9, wherein the fatty alcohol islauryl alcohol.
 11. The process of claim 1, wherein the at least onehydroxyl containing compound is alkoxylated.
 12. The process of claim 1,wherein the lactide and the at least one hydroxyl containing compoundare presented in equivalent molar amounts.
 13. The process of claim 1,further comprising the step of: forming a clear, homogeneous liquid. 14.The process of claim 1, wherein the process provides a yield of at leastabout 95%.
 15. The product produced by the process of claim
 1. 16. Theproduct of claim 15 wherein the product comprises at least about 90% orgreater of at least one alkyl lactyllactate, based on the total weightof the product.
 17. The product of claim 16, wherein the at least onealkyl lactyllactate comprises at least one L-alkyl lactyllactate. 18.The product of claim 17, wherein the at least one alkyl lactyllactate issubstantially free of other stereoisomers of the alkyl lactyllactate.19. The product of claim 16, wherein the at least one alkyllactyllactate comprises at least one L,D/D,L-racemic alkyllactyllactate.
 20. The product of claim 16, wherein the at least onealkyl lactyllactate comprises at least one L-alkyl lactyllactate and atleast one L,D/D,L-racemic alkyl lactyllactate.
 21. The product of claim15 comprises less than about 5% of at least one alkyl lactate and lessthan about 5% of the at least one hydroxyl containing compound, based onthe total weight of the product.
 22. A composition comprising: at leastone alkyl lactyllactate of the following general structure:

wherein R is an alkyl group or alkoxylated alkyl group; and at least onesurfactant.
 23. The composition of claim 22, further comprising water,wherein the composition exhibits a reduction in critical micelleconcentration of from about 5% to about 99% as compared to a comparativesurfactant composition comprising said at least one surfactant withoutalkyl lactyllactate, wherein the total weight concentrations ofsurfactant actives in said composition and in said comparativesurfactant composition are substantially the same.
 24. The compositionof claim 23, wherein the composition exhibits a reduction in criticalmicelle concentration of at least about 15%.
 25. The composition ofclaim 22, wherein R comprises an alkyl group of from about 6 to about 22carbon atoms.
 26. The composition of claim 25, wherein R furthercomprises from about 1 to about 12 moles of an alkoxylate of about twoto about six carbon atoms per mole of the alkyl lactyllactate.
 27. Thecomposition of claim 26, wherein the alkoxylate is ethoxylate orpropoxylate or a mixture thereof.
 28. The composition of claim 22,wherein the at least one alkyl lactyllactate is an L-lactyllactate, arac-lactyllactate made from meso-lactide, or a mixture of L-lactide andmeso-lactide.
 29. The composition of claim 28, wherein the mixturecomprises about 15% to about 70% L-lactide, based on the total weight ofthe mixture.
 30. The composition of claim 22, wherein the at least onealkyl lactyllactate is lauryl lactyllactate.
 31. The composition ofclaim 22, wherein the at least one alkyl lactyllactate is produced byreacting lactic acid with at least one hydroxyl containing compound. 32.The composition of claim 31, wherein the lactic acid is L-lactic acid.33. The composition of claim 31, further comprising at least one alkyllactate produced during the reaction of the lactic acid and the at leastone hydroxyl containing compound.
 34. The composition of claim 33,wherein the weight percentage of the at least one alkyl lactyllactate inthe total amount of the at least one alkyl lactyllactate and the atleast one alkyl lactate is at least about 40%.
 35. The composition ofclaim 22, wherein the at least one surfactant comprises at least onesalt of alkyl sulfate, an alkyl alkoxy sulfate, an alkyl alkoxycarboxylate, an alkyl phosphate, an alkyl alkoxy phosphate, an alkylsulfonate, a sulfonated alkyl methyl or ethyl ester, a sulfonated fattyacid, an alkyl sulfo acetate, an alkyl benzene sulfonate, an alphaolefin sulfonate, a paraffin sulfonate, an alkyl isethionate, an acyllactylate, a sulfosuccinate, an amphoacetate, a sarcosinate, a polydecyl glucoside carboxylate, a lauryl glucose carboxylate, alkylglutamate, a fatty acid amide, an ethoxylated fatty acid amide, an alkylalcohol, an alkyl alcohol ethoxylate, an alkyl phenol ethoxylate, apropylene glycol esters, a poly glycerol esters, an ethylene glycolesters, an ethoxylated glycol esters, a polypropylene glycol esters, analkyl glucoside, an alkylpolyglycoside, an alkyl glucamide, a sorbitanesters, a betaines, an amine oxides, a sultaine, an alkyltrimethylammonium halogenide, a dialkyl dimethyl halogenide, a trialkylmethyl ammonium a halogenide, a polyquaternium, a quaternized cellulose,a quaternized guar gum, an esterquat, an amidoamine quat, an alkylamidopropyl dimethyl amine quat, a derivative thereof, or a combinationthereof.
 36. The composition of claim 22, further comprising water,wherein the composition exhibits a reduction in the area per molecule offrom about 2% to about 80% as compared to a comparative surfactantcomposition comprising said at least one surfactant without alkyllactyllactate, wherein the total weight concentrations of surfactantactives in said composition and in said comparative surfactantcomposition are substantially the same.
 37. The composition of claim 36,wherein the composition exhibits a reduction in the area per molecule offrom about 5% to about 60%.
 38. A substantially pure L-alkyllactyllactate product comprising at least one L-alkyl lactyllactatecompound of the following general structure:

wherein R comprises an alkyl group or alkoxylated alkyl group.
 39. TheL-alkyl lactyllactate product of claim 38, wherein the alkyl group oralkoxylated alkyl group is derived from a hydroxyl containing compound.40. The L-alkyl lactyllactate product of claim 39, wherein the hydroxylcontaining compound is a fatty alcohol.
 41. The L-alkyl lactyllactateproduct of claim 39, wherein the hydroxyl containing compound comprisesat least one primary hydroxyl group and is substantially free ofsecondary or tertiary hydroxyl groups.
 42. The L-alkyl lactyllactateproduct of claim 38, wherein R comprises an alkyl group of from about 1to about 22 carbon atoms.
 43. The L-alkyl lactyllactate product of claim42, wherein R further comprises from about 1 to about 100 moles of atleast one alkoxylate per mole of the at least one L-alkyl lactyllactatecompound.
 44. The L-alkyl lactyllactate product of claim 43, wherein Rcomprises from about 1 to about 12 moles of the at least one alkoxylateper mole of the at least one L-alkyl lactyllactate compound.
 45. TheL-alkyl lactyllactate product of claim 43, wherein the at least onealkoxylate comprises from about two to about six carbon atoms.
 46. TheL-alkyl lactyllactate product of claim 38, wherein R is derived fromlauryl alcohol.
 47. The L-alkyl lactyllactate product of claim 46, beingsubstantially pure L-lauryl lactyllactate.
 48. The L-alkyl lactyllactateproduct of claim 38, wherein the at least one L-alkyl lactyllactatecompound is present in an amount of at least about 90%, based on thetotal weight of the L-alkyl lactyllactate product.
 49. An alkyllactyllactate of the following general structure:

wherein R comprises an alkyl or alkoxylated alkyl group derived from afatty alcohol comprising from about 12 to about 14 carbon compounds.